Stories And Myths Of Eight Immortals

Stories and Myths

Of

EIGHT IMMORTALS

Translated from various Chinese materials by:

Li Yanjia

Nathaniel Hu

©1995
Golden Pineapple Books

Stories and Myths of Eight Immortals

Translated from various Chinese materials by: Li Yanjia and Nathaniel Hu
This page copyright ©1995 Golden Pineapple Book

I. The Eight Immortals 1

II. Tie Guaili Banished to Earth 3

III. The Ugly Concubine 5

IV. Three Test for Fei Zhangfang 8

V. Han Zhongli Killed a Tiger 10

VI. The Yellow Millet Dream 12

VII. Dancing Crane Pavilion 14

VIII. LuDongbin and the Peony Fairy 16

IX. A Prostitute Who Became a Deity 19

X. How Zhang Guolao Attained His Immortality 25

XL Zhang Guolao Showed His Magic 27

XII. Empress Wu Met He Xiangu 29

XIII. The Story of Lan Caihe 31

XIV. Lan Caihe Build a Bridge 33

XV. HanXiangzi and Long Nu 35

XVI. Han Xiangzi Painted a Dragon 37

XVII. The Midas touch 39

XVIII. Cao Guojiu's Repentance 42

XIX. The Man with 100 Mothers 44

XX. Eight Immortals and the Jade Emperor 47

XXL Origin of Eight Immortals Bridge 49

XXII. The Dog Nip Lu Dongbin 51

XXIII. Su Dongpo Met Eight Immortal 54

XXIV. The Tree Spirits 56

XXV. The Eight Immortals against an Evil Cult 61

XXVI. The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea 64

XXVII. The Origin of Eight Immortals Table 69

XXVIII. Eight Immortals Dishes 70

I. The Eight Immortals

THE Eight Immortals is one of the most popular figure in Chinese mythologies
since hundred years ago, their legends had been told in many novels, short
stories, opera, as well as oral traditions. Even their images can be found
everywhere, from paintings, statues, porcelains, furniture sculptures etc.

Many people believe that Eight Immortals was representing every aspect in
human life: male-female, old-young, rich-poor and nobleman-common people.

Who is Eight Immortals

The Eight Immortals (Ba Xian) are group of immortals, a perfected being who
knows the secret of nature and become deities after cultivating themselves
according to Taoism doctrine. Every immortal have their own talisman that can
be used as weapon to destroy evil, or as tool to save people. Legend said that
eight of them were live in Penglai Shan, a mystical mountain in Chinese myth.

Many said that Eight Immortals legends had been circulated since Jin Dynasty of
China (317-420). Even there were a lot of zaju (theater play) about them in Yuan
Dynasty (171-1368). However the Eight Immortals became more and more
popular as Wu Yuantai from Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) wrote a novel about
them, titled; Dong Youji (Journey to the East)

Who are their members?

Tieguai Li (Li Tieguai)

Disciple of Lao Zi and the first among the Eight Immortals and depcited as lame

beggar who walked using iron crutch (thus he called "tieguai" which mean iron

crutch). Formerly he was a handsome hermit named Li Xuan . One day when his

spirit leaved his physical body to meet Lao Zi, his student burnt his body. So

when his spirit returned, it had nowhere to reside and forced to live in the lame

beggar body.

He is worshiped as patron of sick people.

Zhongli Quan (Han Zhongli)

Zhong Liquan was a famous general from Han Dynasty who defeated by Tibetian
army. Because he couldn't return to his country then then he lived as ascetic
under tenure of senior deity Donghua Dijun As he came from Han Dynasty, thus
people called him Han Zhongli (Zhongli of Han). Zhong Liquan described as
bearded old man with exposed round belly, he also has funny topknot like a child.
He always brought a feather fan in his hand.
He is patron of military

Zhang Guolao.

The oldest member of Eight Immortals. He has magic donkey that can run

thousand miles in a single day. When he has reached his destination he will turn

the animal into paper doll and put it in his cloth. When needed, he will sprinkle

water on the paper doll, as it will become donkey again. Zhang Guolao also

known as a famous magician during Tang Dynasty. His talisman was a bamboo

drum.

Zhang Guolao is patron for artists

Lu Dongbin (Lu Chunyang)

Probably the most popular between Eight Immortals. The Taoist worship him as

patriarch, while secular people recognize him as naughty deity who fond with

prostitute and wine. He was Han Zhongli's disciple and his weapon was a demon

slayer flying sword.

He is patron of barbers, scholars and inner alchemy practitioners.

Lan Caihe

A young beggar who became immortal. There are uncertain whether Lan Caihe
was man or woman.. He/she bring a jade clappers and flower basket in his hand.
This youngest member of Eight Immortals was patron of florists and gardeners

He Xiangu

The only female in this group. Her real name was He Shunu (or He Hua in other

version), a daughter of drugstore's owner (or tofu maker in other story). One

night he dreamed an old deity came to her room and teaches her the secret of

immortality by consuming mica powder.. After awaken from his dream she did his

instruction and even vowed to stay virgin. He Xiangu always hold a lotus in her

hand.

She is patron of house wives.

Han Xiangzi

Nephew of Han Yu, a famous minister and poet from Tang Dynasty. He leaved

his family to learn Taoism, but later he would help his uncle to become immortal

too. His talisman is a bamboo flute.

Han Xiangzi is patron for musicians

Cao Guojiu

He was brother in law of Emperor Renzong from Song Dynasty (Guojiu means

Royal Uncle of state). As member of imperial family, he wears formal government

uniform and brought imperial jade tablet.

This Royal Uncle is patron of actors.

Forgotten member; Xu Shenweng

Before Ming Dynasty, Xu Shenweng or Xu Shouxin was often identified as
member of Eight Immortals. But lately his position was replaced by the Female
Immortal He Xiangu. Xu Shenweng was famous wizard from Song Dynasty.

II. Tie Guaili Banished to Earth

Translated by Li Yanjia

BORN as a handsome and intelligent boy Li Xuan never sought a career on
government, instead he cultivated himself according Taoism doctrine. One day Li
Xuan was invited by Lao Zi 1 attending the Immortals banquet in Hua Shan
mountain. Actually this Li Xuan could detach his spirit from his body so he didn't
need to attend the banquet with his physical body but only by sending his spirit.

Before he went to the banquet, he told his servant Yang Zi to take care his
spirit for seven days. At the sixth days however, Yang Zi received message from
his family that his mother was severally ill and probably would die soon. Finally
he decided to cremate his teacher's body, as he believed his teacher had already
dead 2 . After that Yang Zi returned to his house

Many hours later, Li Xuan's spirit returned but how depressed he was as he
found his body had been cremated. Li Xuan then hurriedly searched for a new
body or his spirit would be vanished too. In the forest nearby, he found a just
dead beggar. How was the appearance of this beggar? His face was grumpy, his
skin dark, his body filthy and his leg crippled. No wonder the once handsome
man Li Xuan was very reluctant entering this vessel. But as he didn't have any
choice then his spirit was forced to enter and lived in this body. Because his leg
was crippled leaned on iron crutch, then people called him Tieguai Li (Iron Crutch
Li).

After that event, Tie Guaili lived with his teacher, the Holly Lao Zi in heaven.
One day Tieguai Li saw his teacher's buffalo and wanted to ride it. Tieguai Li
then untie that animal and start riding it. However the buffalo was startled to see
it rider's face and ran to the human world, leaving Tieguai Li who couldn't chase
it.

When Lao Zi hearing about this, he was so angry and screamed "You know,
the last time that animal ran to the world, it caused a lot of disaster there. Now as
you release it again, don't know what kind of calamity will befall upon mankind"

As punishment, the Holly Teacher then banished Tie Guaili to the earth. He
could return to heaven after accumulating enough good deeds by helping human
kind from their suffering.

In his long journey on earth, Tie Guaili would teach a lot of immortal candidate
such as; Han Zhongli, He Xiangu, Zhang Guolao, Fei Zhangfang and even Yang

1 Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism was considered as one of supreme God in China.

2 Chinese believed that an uninhabited body can be used as evil spirit's shell. That's why Yang

Zi must cremate his teacher's body

Zi, his ex student who burned his physical body previously, actually Tie Guaili
had forgave him and even revived his deceased mother using his elixir

The Ugly Concubine

Translate by Nathaniel Hu

MADAM Liu was probably the ugliest woman in the empire. Her eyes was
slanting, her nose flat and her mouth was sharp like bird. Moreover there were
scars all over her face. However her husband, Magistrate Liu was loved her like
the most precious thing on world

Eventually Madam Liu had try every way to make herself beautiful. Even she
once forced her husband to kidnap seven beautiful virgins and tortured them
mercilessly. Because she heard about beauty potion which was made from
beautiful virgin's tear. .

One day a lame priest came to their residence. He proclaimed himself as the
best beauty specialist in the world.

'Do you really a beauty specialist? But why does your face so terrible
yourself?" said Magistrate Liu with full of suspicion.

"Do snake tamer's face should look like snake? Do meat bun maker should
look like a meat bun? That's the same with me, people called me a prodigy, but it
doesn't mean that I should be good looking myself!" replied the priest.

'Are you sure you can make me pretty?" asked the magistrate's wife
curiously.

"But you've been gorgeous darling" interrupted his husband.

"Yes, but I want to be more beautiful"

"Of course! It's piece of cake for me! You must've heard about Yang Guifei 3 ,
right? Initially her face was ten times worse than you. But thanks to my special
treatment, now people called her as one of four most beautiful ladies in history"

. Madam Liu applauded as he overjoyed to hear his boasting. She hurriedly
welcomed the priest who actually the immortal Tie Guaili, to enter her house like
a honorary guest. After eating and drinking, the priest said that he would start his
therapy/ "First I must fumigate your face with incense's smoke"

"For what?"

"Actually I must cleanse your body from the dark aura first, or my treatment

1 Yang Guifei was favorite concubine of Emperor Minghuang from Tang Dynasty.

will be futile" Said the priest convincing her. The lady was forced to obey it,
whereas she felt extremely tortured with the smoke.

After finishing his cleansing ritual, Tie Guaili took a giant pill and gave it to
Madam Liu. The bolus color was brown and it smelt like cat's ordure. The old
lady was very disgusted and refused to eat it. However the priest was angry and
treated that he would leave, since this bolus was the only way to make her pretty.

'What should be my appearance after consuming your bolus?" asked Madam
Liu doubtfully.

"Just look at that jar" said Tie Guaili pointing his finger to a glass jar. Suddenly
an illuminating image of beautiful girl wearing the same dress with Madam Liu
appeared on the jar.

"Who is that fairy" asked the lady amazed

"Don't you see her dress? Actually that fairy lady is you after consuming my
bolus." said Tie Guaili. Madam Liu was highly enchanted with the view. Finally
she dared herself dared herself to eat the disgusting potion. As the bolus
entering her throat, she felt her body burnt and her stomach was extremely
painful. She screamed fiercely and fainted. His husband, Magistrate Liu panicked
and called his guard to arest the priest. However her wife was suddenly awaked
and for everybody amazement her face had really became as pretty as fairy. The
magistrate and her wife thanked to Tie Guaili and promised big reward for him.

Not longer after that, the imperial decree came to Magistrate's Liu office,
instructing him to seek pretty girls for emperor's concubine. When Madam Liu
heard this, she whispered on his husband's ear by laughing "Now it's time for
your star to shine brightly"

"What do you mean, I still need to seek for that pretty girls"

"Why do you bothering to seek when the lady have already stand in front of
you/"

'But there is nobody here except us?"

That's it! Essentially there are no one recognize me anymore since my face
has transformed. So why don't you present me to the emperor, at that time I can
help you gaining position as well as prosperity!"

Magistrate Liu dumbfounded for a while, but finally he applauding his wife
idea. Then he set the preparation to present his wife as emperor's concubine.

As the destined day arrived, Magistrate Liu brought his wife to capital. But

like the old saying; "if you don't want to be uncovered then don't do it". In front of
Imperial palace they met Tie Guaili who addressed them "How do you do, Mr. Liu
and Madam? How about my reward you promised before. At least it's my credit
to make your wife beautiful so you can present her to the emperor!"

The magistrate felt awkward as he afraid their secret would be uncovered, but
his wife scold the lame priest fiercely "Who are you? How dare you call me as his
wife, for everyone knows that Magistrate Liu's wife is extremely ugly!" The lady
then ordered his men to chase that priest away and beaten him.

After tie Guaili gone, the Imperial eunuch came and delivered Madam Liu to
the Imperial's dressing room. Everyone who saw her was astonished since they
never saw a woman as pretty as her. When everything was ready she was
escorted to meet the emperor.

Actually this emperor was a true womanizer. In addition he had already heard
that his new Concubine was as pretty as Chang E, the Fairy of the Moon. So
when his Madam Liu was presented before him wearing a veil to hide her face
(just like other Chinese brides), the emperor quickly descended from the Dragon
Throne and unveiled her face, to see.... a very ugly woman in front of him with a
flat nose, slanting eyes, and face full of pockmark. The emperor was enraged as
he felt cheated. Moreover many of his ministers recognized this lady as
Magistrate Liu's wife.

In the end, Magistrate Liu and his wife were dragged to the execution ground
to be flogged until death. Above the cloud, the Eight Immortals laughed to see
that event. Actually this was the punishment for swindler and cruel people who
never satisfied with their live.

IV. Three Test for Fei Zhangfang

Translated by Li Yanjia

FEI Zhangfang was a market inspector from Hu Nan. One day when he
patrolled, he saw a lame old man sold drugs in that market. He had a gourd
hanging over on his back, as soon as business was over; he would to leap into
the gourd. None of the people in the marketplace ever saw it except Zhangfang,
who observed from the upper floor of his dwelling.

Fei Zhanfang was amazed, so he went to pay his respects to the old man,
who told to him: "Meet me here tomorrow, sir"

Zhangfang went early next morning, and then the old man and he entered the
gourd together. There he beheld a magnificent hall, large and beautiful, where
good wines and delicious food were spread out. Together they ate, drank and
then emerged from the gourd. The old man reminded him to secret his
experience inside the gourd.

One day he cam to Zhangfang's chamber and said: "My name is Tieguai Li
(Iron Clutch Li), initially I was an immortal from Penglai. But the heaven banished
me to earth, as punishment for my mistake before. Now as my punishment is
over and I will return to my rightful place" Zhangfang was marveled to hear his
word, but Tie Guaili continued "Would you accompany me? Downstairs there I
brought a small flagon of wine which we might drink together before parting."

In order to bring the wine, Zhangfang sent ten men, but they were unable to
lift it. Tie Guaili laughed, and carried it upstairs on one finger. Though the flagon
appeared to hold no more than a pint, but the two drank for the rest of the day
without emptying it.

Initially Zhangfang want to study Tao and became immortal too, but the
thought of his family gave him anxiety. Tie Guaili knew what was he thinking, he
then cut a piece of green bamboo and told him to hang it up behind his cottage.

Now, to the eyes of his families this bamboo appeared as the corpse of
Zhang-fang and they thought he must have hanged himself.

Shocked by the sight, all of his family bewailed him, and prepared a proper
ceremony to bury him. Meanwhile Zhangfang was standing near by, yet he was
invisible for them.

And thus Zhangfang accompanied the immortal to his mountain. They had to
force their way through thorny undergrowth, and were surrounded by fierce

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tigers, but though he was left behind in a solitary place, he showed no sign of
fear.

Furthermore, Tie Guaili asked Zhangfang to meditate in a cave, where with a
rotten old rope he hung a giant boulder just over his head. Then a number of
snakes appeared and gnawed the rope, yet Zhangfang did not stir and continue
with his meditation.

On his return, the old man clapped him on the back and praised him "I see
that you are teachable."

Next he brought some scat which contained three worms and had a bad odor
of extraordinary pungency. Zhangfang was very disgusted, but the old immortal
even asked him to eat this disgusting stuff.

This time Zhangfang couldn't do his order and keep rejecting it no matter how
hard Tie Guaili forced him. The old immortal then sighed and said: "You were
near perfection to become immortal. Too bad you have failed at this test."

Zhangfang feel very disappointed, but he had no alternative except leaving
and return home.

Tie Guaili presented him with a bamboo staff and said "Astride this, no matter
where you go, you will arrive in a short time. Then throw this staff into the bean
pool."

Riding on this staff, Zhangfang flew back in a second. He thought he had
been leaved home only ten days, but in reality it was over ten years. Without
delay he threw his staff into the pool, as he watched it transformed into dragon.

Fei Zhangfang's family declared that he had died long ago, and couldn't
believe his story. Zhangfang smiled and told them: "What you buried long ago
was only a bamboo stick." Thereupon his family dug up the grave and found the
stick inside it.

Though he failed to become immortal, Fei Zhangfang still possessed an
extraordinary magic. He used this to exorcise demon and saved people.

Note; in older version of this story, the old man was simply called "Master Gourd". It uncertain this
Master Gourd was Tie Guaili or not.

V. Han Zhongli Killed a Tiger

Translate d by Nathaniel Hu

ZHONG Liquan was once a great general from Han Dynasty. However in one
decisive battle against the Tibetan, his army was obliterated by their enemy.
Zhong Liquan escaped to the mountain and met with the great deity Donghua
Dijun (Great Emperor form the East) 4 . The holy deity then instructed him the
secret immortality.

One day when Zhong Liquan and his elder brother Zhong Lijian who followed
him to learn Taoism walking at Hua Shan Mountain, suddenly they heard a
thunderous voice. They quickly went to the source of voice and found group of
hunters encircling a big tiger. This beast appearance was so scary; with a bald
head, menacing yellow eyes and a series of fang as sharp as blade.

The tiger had been cornered to a big boulder, however the hunters dare not to
step further, as the tiger was grinned his fang and ready to pounce everyone who
dare to disturb him. When the saw a big guy (Zhong Liquan) they shouted to him
and asked for his help.

As Zhong Liquan approached them, one hunted who acted as their leader
greeted him and told the full story "We don't know where this beast was coming
form, yesterday it entered our village and killed a boy. The boy's mother, a widow
cried unceasingly as she only had one child. Our resident was so sorry to hear
her story and assembled us to kill this beast. However as it is so big, wild and
strong, many of us had been seriously injured by his claw."

Before Zhong Liquan responded, his elder brother Zhong Lijian addressed
him "This beast indeed so dangerous and must be eliminated forever. Brother
how about using your treasure sword given by your teacher to kill him"

Zhong Liquan approved it and took his sword. As he unsheathed it a dazzling
light illuminated from the sword. Zhongli Quan then read an incantation and
threw his sword to the beast.

In an instant it cut the tiger's head as if it was New Year cake. Blood spurted
everywhere, and it body was thrown into the cliff nearby. Zhongli Quan smiled
and read an incantation again to call his sword back.

Without saying about his origin or named, Zhongli Quan and his brother
leaved the hunters who thanked them without stop.

4 Before Han Zhongli (Zhongli Quan) leaved his teacher, Donghua Dijun once told him "This day
you became my student, but later it will be me who become your pupil" In fact Donghua Dijun will
be reincarnated as Lu Dongbin who is Han Zhongli's pupil.

10

Later Zhong Liquan and Zhong Lijian successfully become immortals.
Because he was born in Han Empire, then people called Zhongli Quan as Han
Zhongli or Zhongli from Han.

11

VI. The Yellow Millet Dream

Translated by Li Yanjia

LU Dongbin is the most popular one between the Eight Immrotals and those
tales about him were most numerous among the other immortals.

When Lu Dongbin was born, an extraordinary fragrance and heavenly music
filled his parent house. As addition, a white crane descended from sky. and
disappeared into his mother womb. .

Lu grew as very talented boy, both in scholarly and swordsmanship. However
he always failed on imperial examination. On his third failure, Dongbin feel very
depressed and decide to relieve himself in wine shop. Inside he saw a corpulent
Taoist priest in blue garments and a white outer robe wrote a poem about
immortality on the wall.

The fat priest looked at Dongbin and greeted him. He introduced himself as
Yunfang from Zhong Nan Mountain. He persuaded the failed scholar forgetting
his ambition and followed him to cultivate in Tao. However Dongbin looked
uninterested and slept, leaving the fat priest who cooked millet in pot.

In his dream, Dongbin finally passed the imperial examination and became
prime minister with many concubines and offspring. Unfortunately he did a
serious crime, so he was banished to the border and all of his property was
confiscated. Suddenly Dongbin awoke from his dream and looked the fat priest
smiling at him "Look I still cooked my millet, but you have complete your entire
live in dream"

Dongbin was surprised; how could this priest know what he had dreamed of.
Yun Fang continued "Your dream was full with glory and bitterness. Fifty years is
nothing but a blink of the eye, and everything was nothing. Only by cultivating our
self in religious doctrine we could understand the true meaning of live"

Upon hearing his advice, Dongbin was finally enlightened. He begged to be
Yunfang's disciple, but the fat priest said "Your mind and spirit are not ready yet.
You need to cultivate for several years and I will come to you when your time has
arrive."

After that Lu Dongbin forgot his ambition to become government's officer and
live in seclusion cultivating himself in Tao. As Dongbin trained himself seriously
and passed ten trials prepared by Yunfang. The fat priest congratulated him and
received him as his disciples.

Actually this master Yunfang real identity was Han Zhongli, a member of

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Eight Immortals, no longer after that Lu Dongbin was joined him as immortal too.

13

VII. Dancing Crane Pavilion

Translated by Li Yanjia

ONCE upon a time Lu Dongbin was wandering in Yue Yang City. As evening
came he felt tired and hungry, then he went to a wine shop near the outskirt of
the town. This wine shop owner name was Sin Shi, a very patient and kind
woman. Dongbin ate and drank as he pleased and after his stomach full he
leaved without paying, unfortunately Xin Shi didn't address him.

Next day Dongbin returned to the same wine shop. He ate and drank again like
before and didn't pay the bill. Because Xin Shi never angered him, then Dongbin
returning to this wine shop every day and like always he never paid.

Several months later Dongbin still came to same restaurant. One evening, after
finishing his meal Dongbin took a brush and painted a beautiful crane in the wall.
When he finished he called Xin Shi and said "I've been eating and drinking in
your wine shop for several months without paying but you never scorned me.
Actually I was very ashamed, but since I was broke now then please allow me to
pay my debt with other way. Actually the bird on that painting was a magic crane.
When someone knocked that wall three times and called it, then the crane will
jump of the wall and dance on the table. Xin Shi was hardly believe it, but she still
treat him with full of courtesy.

Several hours later when Dongbin had been gone, another customer came to her
shop. As he finished drank and ate, he asked about the crane's painting as he
never saw it before. Xin Shi laughed and told her story to him, then she teased
him to try it for himself.

The costumer was very interested with her story and decided to give it a try, so
he walked to that wall, knocked it three times and called for the bird. In a sudden
the crane was retracted its wing and jumped off the wall. Then it started dancing
on the table and sometimes ate the food presented to it. After several minutes
the crane flew back to the wall and became painting again.

All of the people at that place were amazed with this miracle. As the costumers
leaved the wine shop, they told this wonderful story to all of their friends. In no
time Xin Shi's wine shop was became known for it's dancing crane. Even the
costumers from another city or even country came to her place to prove it by their
own eyes. Now Xin Shi became wealthy, but she still kind and generous like
before.

One day Lu Dongbin returned to her wine shop. Xin Shi was very happy to see
her benefactor again and treated him with a special banquet. As he finished her
meal Dongbin said 'How about your business lately"

14

"My business was very well, all thanks to your help"

"Dongbin nodded his head and continued "now as I have pay my debt then I
should take my crane back"

"I agree," said Xin Shi. "Besides it has been working so hard lately and should
need a break"

Lu Dongbin took a flute from his pocket and played it. Suddenly the crane
jumped onto the floor and walked to him. Lu Dongbin then mounted its back and
flew to the sky.

Legend said that Xin Shi build a pavilion to remember her benefactor, the
pavilion now known as Dancing Crane Pavilion.

15

VIM. Lu Dongbin and the Peony

Fairy

Translated by Nathaniel Hu

EVERY hundreds of years, Queen Mother of the West 5 would invite many
gods and immortals to her banquet. In this banquet she would give the longevity
wine and peach of immortality to all of her guest.

This year was the first time Lu Dongbin invited to the banquet, as he went to
Kunlun Mountain (the residence of Queen Mother) and soaring above Tongbai
region, he saw the earth trembling and many houses were collapsed. This
disaster was caused by evil pangolin demon who was watching his victim on a
hill with his menacing red eye.

Lu Dongbin descended from his cloud and attacked the demon. However this
pangolin skin was as hard as like steel and invulnerable for his sword. After
fighting for many days, Lu Dongbin forced to flee as he couldn't beat the demon.

The defeated immortal met Taibai Jinxing 6 in Queen Mother of the west
banquet and asked for his advice.

'Only Queen Mother of the West's hairpin could penetrate that giant
pangolin's skin" said the old deity

'But how come I got that hairpin? Queen Mother will never lend it to me.."

Before Taibai Jinxing answered his question, a pretty maid of Queen Mother
named Peony 7 Fairy was came and offered wine for them. Actually this Peony
Fairy was one of the most beautiful goddess in heaven. Her face was as pretty
as flower with a red lip like cherry, her body was slim and tall moreover she was
the favorite maid of Queen Mother.

Taibai Jinxing then whispered to Donhgbin "Don't you know, Peony Fairy was
falling in love with you. If you can seduce her, maybe you can ask her to steal the
hairpin for you"

5 Queen Mother of the West is Jade Emperor's (Emperor of Heaven) wife. Legend said that she is
originally a white tiger from Kunlun Mountain who transformed into woman and finally into
goddess. Queen Mother of the West has peach of immortality garden in his palace. This mystical
peach was only ripen every thousands of years and will bring immortality for whoever eat it. .

6 Taibai Jinxing was an old wise deity of Venus.

7 Peony or mudan in Chinese is one of most popular flower in China. Most Some people called
it as the queen of flower.

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Dongbin approved his old buddy's idea. When Peony Fairy poured wine to his
cup, he pinched his hand. The fairy was very ashamed and leaved them
immediately.

Later when she returned to bring peach of immortality, Taibai Jlnxing kicked
Dongbin's foot, thus he caressing her hand again. Peony fairy blushed and ran to
the lotus pond. Taibai Jinxing laughed and winked his eye, Dongbin smiled and
chased that beautiful Fairy.

As Dongbin arrived at lotus pond, he found Peony Fairy mused alone near
the lotus. That naughty immortal then hug her from behind and whispered on his
ear "Do you like lotus? But I think peony is far prettier than lotus"

Peony Fairy face was flustered from embarrassment "You will be punished for
your indecent behavior" said him bashfully.

Lu Dongbin laughed and teased her "You mean there were no love in the
Heaven? If yes, then how come Jade Emperor (Emperor of Heaven) and Queen
Mother of the West had 7 daughters?" He then pointed his finger to the mortal
world and said "Look at that happy couple below, do you know why? It was
because they love each other. Doesn't it beautiful?"

Peony Fairy looked very interested and confessed that she want to go to
mortal world. Lu Dongbin said he could arrange it, but first she must help him to
steal Queen Mother's hairpin.

"Are you crazy? The queen will kill me if she knows i steal her precious
hairpin" protested her.

Lu Dongbin smiled and showed an imitation of Queen Mother's hairpin which
looked precisely similar with the original. "Come on, I just need it for one day and
after that I will bring it back to you. Moreover love need a sacrifice right?"

The fairy hesitated but finally she agreed with one requirement that Dongbin
should become his husband for 100 days in mortal word.

Dongbin nodded his head and approved her requirement happily. Peony
Fairy's heart was fulfilled with joy.

Later when she was combing Queen Mother hair, he took her hairpin and
changed it with the imitation one. She then gave that talisman to her sweetheart.

With Queen Mother's hairpin in his hand, Lu Dongbin went back to Tongbai
region. As his old enemy returned, the Pangolin Demon swung his claw wildly
attacking his nemesis furiously. However this time the immortal could slay him
easily using the mystic hairpin.

17

After that Dongbin fulfilled his promise and married peony Fairy for 100 days
on earth. 8 Every day they made love and traveling to many lovely place on the
world.

Unfortunately their misconduct was discovered by Queen Mother. The queen
was so furious with her maid and scold her "As you so fond on making love, then
I will banish you to earth as prostitute" The Peony Fairy cried and asked for
mercy, but no one could save her. Finally she was reincarnated as prostitute in
Luo Yang City.

As for Lu Dongbin, the Queen Mother scorned him "Actually I was angry with
you, because you seduce my maid three times. But since you did this to save
people, then I only punish you not to attend my next banquet"

Lu Dongbin felt responsible for Peony Fairy's fate, unfortunately he could do
nothing against heavenly mandate. Deep inside his heart he vowed to save his
sweet heart and brought her back to heaven.

******

1 days on heaven is 100 days on earth.

18

IX. A Prostitute Who Became a

Deity

Translated by Nathaniel Hu

DURING the reign of Emperor Taizong from Song Dynasty, there were a
silk mechant named Bai Sheng. Every year he traveled from his hometown to sell
his goods. Bai Sheng only had a daughter named Bai Mudan, since her birth she
was so special because all part of her body spreading fragrance like flower. As
her age 18 years old, Bai Mudan's beauty become more and more distinguished
from others girls. The loveliness of her face made Chang E, the Goddess of
Moon look inferior and hide behind the moon, her body tall and slim but plump in
certain parts. If only she became Emperor's concubine, maybe she would bring
the downfall of the country like Yang Yuhuan or Bao Si.

Since the death of her beloved wife, Bai Sheng always bring his daughter in
his journey. But alas in his last journey Bai Sheng serriously ill and died many
months later. Because she had no moeny to burry her father and since she didn't
have anyone else to lean on, then Bai Mudan decided to sell herself to Yellow
Flower brothel, the biggest prostitution house in that city. Half year later Bai
Mudan had became the most popular singsong girl in Luo Yang. However she
just sing and dance in front of customers but refuse to had sex with them.

In Luo Yang, there was a playboy named Li Ru, the son of millionaire Li.
Spoiled from his childhood, this young master Li grew as a loafer who wasted his
father money in gambling house and brothel. One day Li Ru was visiting Yellow
Flower brothel with his friend. Suddenly his eyes starred and his saliva drooled
as he saw Mudan singing and dancing in front of him.

"Is she a fairy descending to earth?" Praised him "I've meet a lot of pretty
girl in my live, from Wang Zaojun's counterpart to Xi Shi's twins, but honestly I
never meet the girl as lovely as this"

"But never think to sleep her, since she always reject that" warned one of
his friend.

"That's because you don't understand how to handle a beautiful girl!"
Laughed Li Ru "now I will book her to sing for me and wait for my good news
tomorrow!". After finished his word, Li Ru met the pimp and booked Mudan to
sing for him.

As Mudan started entertain him, Li Ru can't stop praising her loveliness in
his heart, especially looking at her big breast which emerged from her dress
made his passion become more and more aroused.

19

"Miss Mudan, how come your body has scent of flower? What kind of
perfume you used?" asked him

Mudan smiled and answer "This is not perfume sir, but indeed all part of my
body has natural fragrance like flower"

"Really? But honestly I hardly believe it. Actually I've meet many girls with
fragrant body like you, but at least they still have an unpleasant smell in certain
part of their body! At least let me prove it that you're not lying" tease him

Mudan giggled and said "But how can I prove it"

"Then please let me sniffing your armpit!"

Mudan can't hold her laugh and let him to do that. But instead of sniffing it,
this naughty mister Li kissed her breast. She startled at first. But as Mudan
herself was attracted with this handsome and rich young master Li, then she
didn't complain .Even she opened her dress and show her nipple which made
him more aroused and sucked it passionately like a child milking in his mother
breast. Finally they play the game of cloud and rain (Chinese idiom for sexual
intercourse) in one night full.

Since her first experience of cloud and rain, Mudan never regret in losing of
her virginity. Instead now she aware how easy to make money by this way. From
that day on, playboy from various places will made line in front of Yellow Flower
every night and only the luckiest one with highest bid will had opportunity to
make love with her.

Because most men worship her like goddess, Mudan became arrogant. She
thought "in the past, Empress Wu Zetian often asked her subordinates to kiss her
genital. But since I am prettier than her, then all of my guest should entertain my
more than that."

One day a prosperous merchant named Chen Hua came to feast in Yellow
Flower and picked Mudan as his partner. Actually this Chen Hua was known as
"the stinky mouth Chen", because he like to flatter his wealthy customer like a
dog licking his master, but always cursed his servants fiercely as if they're not
human. .

As they arrived in bedroom, Chen Hua can't wait to kiss her. But instead of
giving her cheek, Mudan turn her back and tease him "since you are my special
guest mister, then how about kissing the most precious part in my body"

To see a sexy round ass bent in front of his face, Chen Hua completely
forget about his pride and kissed that plumped soft ass passionately, even he

20

licked her clean anus like the sweetest thing in world. Suddenly she farted right in
his mouth, but instead of angry he suck it deeply as if it's smell like flower spring.
Mudan really enjoyed this kinky stuff as she laughed uncontrollably. Actually the
stinky mouth Chen was very appropriate nickname for him

In other occasion, a corrupt Magistrate named Cao Mao paid a lot of money
to sleep with her. This magistrate was often dubbed as "yao guai" 9 because he
like to exploit his peoples, like a yao guai sucking vital energy or blood from men.

As they were drinking and chatting, he said "I heard Song Jing, the owner of
wine shop once lick your sweat and praise it as more delicious than the best wine
in his shop. So please let me lick your sweat too."

Mudan laughed and answered with a coquettish tone "Too bad that I'm not
sweaty now, but I just wash my feet in that basin there.".

Suddenly Cao Mao dipped water from that basin into his cup and drunk it,
then he praised it as delicious as maotai 10 . From now on people known him as "a
you gui who sucked a dirty water"

In fifth day of fourth month, a Taoist priest comes to Yellow Flower. Actually
a Taoist priest was forbidden to visit this kind of place, unfortunately there always
be an indecent one among the holiest one. How was his appearance? This priest
face was excellent, as if Pan An 11 was reborn to earth. His body was well build.
And his charisma was no less than the heavenly teacher Zhang Daoling 12 .

In contrary with her courtesans who was amazed by his outstanding
appearance, the pimp of Yellow Flower was despised the priest because of his
plain and rumpled cloth. Moreover when he stated he want to pick Mudan, the
pimp was blatantly humiliating him. However suddenly he pick a lot of gold from
his pocket which made the pimp changed her attitude and called her favorite
courtesan immediately. In her heart Mudan was so happy to get a good looking
client like this, quietly she praise his handsomeness as match to her beauty.

After drinking a few cup of wine and chatting for a while, Mudan can't resist
her passion any longer so she began seducing him with her erotic dance. But
after 20 minutes of dancing and singing, The priest still look indifferent and
sipped his wine calmly. The haughty courtesan wondered since she never had a
customer like this before, then she tried to tease him "Holy teacher, I heard you
Taoist priest is adept in magical art. But do you know that I also mastered some
trick too?"

"What kinds of magic do you mastered miss? Asked the priest wonder

9 Yao Gai means for evil spirit.

10 Maotai is one of the most popular wine in China

11 According to legend Pan An was the handsomest men in Chinese.

12 Zhang Daoling was the founder of modern Taoism

21

Suddenly Mudan open her dress and bring his hand caressing her naked
breast. Then she whispered on his ear with a sensual voice "You know? I always
make certain part of male body erected when they touch this, isn't it magic?"
Before he can answer, Mudan touched his genital and laughed.

The priest was very displeased with her indecent behavior and reprimand
her "Please be polite miss, since I come here not to do that disgusted thing"

"So what do you want? Don't tell me you want teach me that hocus pocus
thing of your kind!"

"Actually you were flower fairy in your previous existence and that's why
your body was fragrant. But because you violated heavenly mandate, then you
were reincarnated as prostitute. If you agree to leave this sinful live, then i will
teach you how to go back to heaven" said the priest seriously

Mudan giggle hearing his advice "Go back to heaven? Don't you see that
I've been in heaven now? Am I not like a goddess who is worshiped by all men
on this city? So what's the point to live in your boring heaven when I can eat the
most delicious food and drink the best wine here. Oh and see how dirty your
cheap robe is, off course it can't be compared with my lovely expensive dress!"

"Don't you know that all happiness in this world was just illusion, one day
you happy, but most other days you will cry" advise the priest

"Ha ha ha, oh what a handsome but stupid priest, do you think that I don't
know your out of date trick? Listen, I've heard this trick since my childhood. First
you will manipulate naive person to follow your teaching, then you will rob their
money. Oh or probably you want to kidnap me as your concubine?" said her with
an insulting tone

The priest faces redden on hearing her insult. Then he got up from his seat
and slapped her face two times. Before leaved, he said "We will meet 10 years
later in place where you share your food with dog"

As the priest gone, Mudan face felt burn. She went to mirror to check what
happen. But how terrified she was seeing that part of her face where the priest
slap, had become darker and full with disgusting abscess. Mudan cried and
cursed the priest, but her condition became worsen every day. Because of
Mudan's face was as scary as ghost now, then the pimp thrown her away from
Yellow Flower. This time all men who once worship her despise her like rubbish.

Ten years later Mudan had lost all of her fortune, so once a famous
courtesan now must live as beggar to feed herself. One day Mudan feel so
hungry because she hadn't eat for 2 days. When she saw a dog eat remaining

22

food from wealthy man house, she snatched it away and without mind about the
taste, she ate it like a luxurious meal.

Suddenly a familiar voice addressed her "How do you do miss Mudan? long
time no see. Is that most delicious food on earth? Where are all people who
worship you like goddess?"

Mudan surprised recognizing that man as the priest who slapped her face.
But she anxious how can his face didn't change over this years. Then she cried.
"Please don't mock me holy teacher, I've know my mistake back then. Now
understand that all happiness in this world was just a dream and as i wake up
everything disappeared like a dust. Now I can only cry until my demise"

The priest smile and touched her face softly. Suddenly Mudan feel weird but
relaxing sensation in her face Then she looked her face in pool and realized that
her abscess had disappeared, in addition her face also pretty and young again
like ten years earlier. Mudan's heart filled with joy, spontaneously she kowtowed
in front of him and said "Thank you for curing my face o holy teacher, but who are
you actually? I believe you're not just common priest"

The priest laughed and answered "Actually i'm immortal Lu Dongbin, and
you can found my statue in most temples in this city, however since you never
pray in the temple then you don't recognize me earlier. Eventually in your
previous existence as flower fairy, we were a good friend, so I want to help you
return to the heaven." Suddenly Lu Dongbin sighed "But of course I can't force
you. Now since your face has been cured, i will give you two choices. First you
can go back to your former heaven which full of debauchery in Yellow Flower,
Otherwise you can follow me to real heaven. If you want to follow me, then meet
me here tomorrow."

The next day Mudan went to previous place to meet Lu Dongbin. However
the immortal wasn't there, instead a man address her "Miss Mudan, long time no
see, I heard you got a disaster, but how come your face is as pretty as ten years
ago" Actually that voice come from young master Li Ru, the first man who took
her virginity. "I had go to Lin An for business trip for many years, but do you know
how much I miss you o my precious goddess?"

Suddenly Li Ru tried to touch her breast, but she quickly avoid him and
shout "Leave me alone, I've spent ten years to repent and I swear never did that
god forsaken thing anymore!"

But her curse only succeeded in making him laughed loudly "Ha ha ha, o my
beautiful goddess is that what you learn in this ten years? To pretends like a shy
and innocent girl? Not bad! Not bad actually, as you know that we men are more
aroused by that innocent manner!"

23

Once again young master Li tried to kiss her. But as he approached, she
tried to suicide using her hairpin. Suddenly the lewd man disappeared and Lu
Dongbin appeared before him "Good! Good! Initially I just want to test you and
now I know how serious you are!" praised the immortal. After that Mudan follow
him as her apprentice.

Since that day, no one ever saw Bai Mudan again, some people said that
she had returned as flower fairy in the heaven.

Note: in another legend, Bai Mudan successfully seduced Dongbin to sleep with her and
absorbing his immortal essence.

24

X. How Zhang Guolao Attained His

Immortality

Translated by Li Yanjia

LONG long ago, there was an eccentric teacher who wanted to be an
immortal. One evening he saw one of his pupils played with a bare bottom
strange child. Actually this teacher had read many book about magic and wonder
so he know that this child wasn't a normal kid, but a 1000 years old ginseng
spirit. So he took a red thread and needle and told his pupil "When you play
again with that bare bottomed child, just stick this needle on his cloth"

"But why?" asked the young student

"Don't ask too much and just obey your teacher. That's the principle of
Confucian" scold the teacher. His pupil nodded his head and took that thread and
needle.

On the afternoon, the student met his teacher again and said that he had
accomplished his job. The teacher was very happy, now he followed the thread
which head to a giant ginseng plant in old abandoned temple. He dug it and
cooked it immediately.

"Ha ha ha finally i will become immortal by eating this 1000 years old ginseng!
And after that i will date Chang E 13 , Ma Gu 14 and all other beautiful fairies in
heaven and i will be able to turn this stone into gold, just by saying sezame!"
spoke him by pointing his finger to scattered stone in front of him and acted as if
he was a mighty taoist wizard. "But blast it! Even an immortal need a chopsticks
to eat, now i must go back to my house and pick one" cursed him by leaving to
his house.

Now as the teacher went away, there were one uninvited guest came to the
temple. His name was Zhang Guolao, an old hermit who just traveling with his
donkey.

Zhang Guolao then rested in front of temple and grumble "People now day!
They really don't know to respect their elder. I've been starved for days but there
are no men, women or even dog in this city who will share their food to me.."

Suddenly he smelt the delicious aroma of food, so he checked inside the

13 Chang E is the Goddess of moon and often considered as the most beautiful Goddess on
Heaven.

14 Ma Gu is beautiful maid of Queen Mother of the West. Women in China worshipped her as
their Goddess of Longevity.

25

temple and found a giant ginseng boiled in a pot.

"Wow, how come there is a delicious meal in this abandoned place. Is Guan
Yin, the Goddess of mercy knows that i am starving to death and deliver this food
for me?" Zhang Guolao kowtowed and pray his gratitude to the Goddess of
mercy, then he quickly picked a twigs and used that as chopsticks to eat the
ginseng.

As the old hermit eating, his donkey whined near him. "Oh i nearly forget you
old buddy, you should be hungry too huh? Now try this" said him sharing his food
to his donkey. After their stomach full, Zhang Guolao threw the remaining soup to
the wall.

Meanwhile the teacher just came back holding a pair of chopsticks in his
hand. But how surprised he was, realizing that his precious food had been eaten
by this old hermit. "Curse you old fart, is it man of your age still don't know that
eating other people food was a robbery? Now just eat my fist as desert!" scold
him chasing Zhang Guolao

Zhang Guolao really scared and rode his donkey facing its tail, suddenly his
donkey flying to the air, leaved the teacher who cursed them without stop. (Since
that time Zhang Guolao always riding his donkey facing its back)

Actually Zhang Guolao and his donkey had became immortals, later he will
joined the Eight immortals and lived in Penglai Shan

As for the temple where Zhang Guolao splashed food on was called as
"Guolao Temple". People said that it's wall was so solid and couldn't be topple

Note; there is other others version described Zhang Guolao as a million years old bat spirit who
became immortal after cultivating himself in Tao for thousand years.

26

XI. Zhang Guolao Showed His

Magic

Translated by nathaniel Hu

ZHANG Guolao was once known as famous magician during Tang Dynasty.
Many of Tang emperors want to meet him, however he always reject it. Until the
reign of emperor Tang Minghuang, Zhang Guolao finally agreed to meet the
emperor.

As Zhang Guolao arrived at palace, all of the dukes, ministers as well as the
emperor respected him as their honorary guest. The emperor offering him a cup
of imperial wine, but Zhang Guolao refused it "I can only drink three cups, but my
apprentice was a heavy drinker and can drink ten cups!"

Emperor Minghuang was interested with this apprentice and asked Zhang
Guolao to call him. Suddenly a young Taoist priest descended from the roof and
kneeled before the emperor. The apprentice's age was around 18 years old, he
was handsome, polite and well educated. The emperor asked him to sit, hut
Zhang Guolao prevented it "My student should stand besides me, it's improper to
let him sit"

The emperor liked this boy and offering wine for him. Actually the apprentice
indeed a heavy drinker, as he didn't get drunk whenever he had drinks many
cups of wine.

When his apprentice had drink nine cup, Zhang Guolao warned him "Don't
drink more than ten cups or you will become a laughing stock!" But he was
neglecting his master's advice and kept drinking more and more wine. Suddenly
the wine spurted from the apprentice's head, as he was transformed as golden
jar. The emperor and his ministers applauded and laughed, they recognized this
jar was come from the imperial's storage.

Zhang Guolao then showed his other skills. When he pointed his finger to a
flying bird suddenly it fell to the ground. When he pointed his finger to a locked
door, suddenly it opened.

In other occasion, when the emperor was hunting in the forest, he caught a
deer and asked his subordinate to cook it. However Zhang Guolao hurriedly
forbade it That deer was longevity deer and it's age was more than 1000 years
old. Around 800 years ago Emperor Wudi of Han Dynasty also captured it, but he
released it and place a bronze medallion in it's left horn"

The emperor hardly believe it, but he instructed his subordinate to check the

27

deer's left horn and indeed there was a bronze medallion with ancient inscription
there.

Emperor Minghuang became more and more respected Zhang Guolao. He
gave him a title "Tongxuan Xiansheng"

28

XII. Empress Wu Met He Xiangu

Translated by Li Yanjia

WHEN Wu Zetian became Female Emperor of China, she was obsessed to
find elixir of longevity.

One day her trustworthy minister; Li Cheng informed the empress "Your
Highness, I heard a female immortal was live in Guang Dong"

"Tell me more about her" asked Empress Wu interested

"Her real name was He Shunu, but people call her He Xiangu. She was a
daughter of tofu maker. One night an old deity came in her dream and gave her
the secret of immortality. Why doesn't Your Highness invite He Xiangu to palace
and consult with her."

Empress Wu overjoyed to hear that and instructed Li Cheng to found and
invite He Xiangu to her palace.

Relied on his position as high officer, Li Cheng plundering people along his
journey. Near the border of Guan Dong he felt so thirsty and asked his
henchmen to find water.

Meanwhile Li Cheng saw a beautiful maiden picking herb on the hill. Li Cheng
shouted to her "I am an officer, tell me are there any river or spring in this place?"

Suddenly the maiden jumped down from hill and stood in front of him "This
place was dry and have no river or spring. But there are many plums on the hill.
You can eat it to relieve your thirst"

Li Cheng saw the hill was so high and he or his men could never climb it. As
she could read his mind, the maiden leapt to the hill and fill her basket with plum.
Then she gave the fresh fruits to the officer and his men.

Li Cheng asked her "Do you ever know where He Xiangu lives?"

The maiden laughed and answered "She was standing in front of you, I am
He Xiangu who save people with my herbal medicine""

Upon knowing who stood before him, Li Cheng changed his manner and
politely persuaded her to follow him to the palace, but He Xiangu rejected it. The
officer tried to catch her, but suddenly he felt his mouth burnt and changed into

29

pig mouth, in addition his body became deep and fat, actually he had
transformed into a strange being.

Li Cheng was very angry and instructed his henchmen to arrest her,
unfortunately he realized that all of his men had transformed into strange being
too. Finally they kneel to He Xiangu and asked for her mercy.

He Xiangu told them "You have misused your position to exploit innocent
people. Now you must crawl to the capital, where you will regain your original
shape"

Li Cheng and his men had no alternative instead of obeying her instruction.
So they crawled back to capital at night, since they were afraid people would see
and laughed on them.

Six month later they finally arrived to capital. As they entered Chang An
(capital of Tang Dynasty), they were indeed transformed back into their original
body. Wu Zetian was angry to hear his reports, she instructed him to bring
cavalry and arrested He Xiangu.

As the cavalry encircle He Xiangu's dwelling, the female immortal came out.
She smiled and said "I know your empress want to meet me. But I will not go
unless you bring a palanquin for me" Li Cheng so pleased to hear that and
quickly asked his men to bring palanquin.

He Xiangu then gave her shovel and basket to them. But since it was too
heavy, then Li Cheng prepared another Palanquin to bring it.

Actually the palanquins were very heavy, made the men who carried it
soaked in sweat. Suddenly they met a lame beggar who asked He Xiangu to
cure his feet. After treating the beggar feet, He Xiangu returned to her palanquin
and let Li Cheng's men carried her to Chang An.

As they arrived in the capital, Empress Wu was very happy greet them. But
when Li Cheng opened the palanquin's curtain, there was no one inside, except
a giant boulder lay on it seat.

Wu Zetian was so furious to Li cheng and executed him immediately.

At that time He Xiangu and Tie Guaili appeared from the cloud and thrown
down a paper to her. As the empress picked it she read "There were no elixir of
longevity, except Your Highness cultivating under religious doctrine. All emperor
and empress would die when their time arrived"

30

XIII. The Story of Lan Caihe

Translated by Li Yanjia

THERE was a young beggar in Tang Dynasty named Lan Caihe. With a
clapper in his hand, he sang in front of peoples begging alms from them. Every
day he wandered wearing his tattered blue cloth, held by a black wooden belt.
His one foot weating shoe,whlie the other bare. He Wear cotton padded cloth in
summer and sleeping on snow in winter.

One day when went to mountain, he met an old man lying nearby lotus pond.
This man was heavily wounded in his stomach, bad pus and black blood still
dipping from his wound. Lan Caihe was very sorry to see his condition. He then
sucked his pus and put a plaster in his wound.

Suddenly the fainted old man awaked and said "give me water from that
pond!"

Lan Caihe obeyed and brought water using his basket. But when he went to
the beggar, all of the water had run out.

"Aaargh how stupid you are, just fill the basket's gap with mud from that pond,
so the water won't run out" shouted the old man

Lan Caihe was very ashamed and obeyed his word. This time he succeeded
to return with the water, however the water was murky and the old man scold him
again "What kind of water is it, do you want to poison me?"

When Lan Caihe unsure what to do next, he saw a beautiful girl with a lotus in
her hand. She smiled to him and said "Why do you sad brother, what is your
problem"

"I want to wash that old man wounds, unfortunately i always failed to bring
water with my basket and he always scorned me" answered Lan Caihe

"Do you angry with his harsh word?"

"What no, i know his wound must be very painful and what i want to do is just
to relieve his pain"

The young lady laughed and spoke "Then why don't you paste those gaps
with the lotus leaves"

Taking her advice, Caihe mend his basket using the lotus leaves and returned
with basket containing water. After cleaning the wound in his stomach, the old

31

man asked Lan Caihe to drink the remaining water in his basket.

Lan Caihe obeyed his word, suddenly he felt his body became so slight, even
he could fly in air.

At this moment Caihe heard the beautiful girl said "You have become an
immortal now" and he was surprised by the old man flying into the sky with them.
Soon Lan Caihe discovered that the old man was Han Zhongli and the girl was
He Xiangu.

32

XIV. Lan Caihe Build a Bridge

Translated by Nathaniel Hu

NEAR the Jewel River in Southern Mountain once lived a kind hearted in
keeper named Zhu Xiang. One day in winter he found a young beggar slept in
front of his inn with a body covered with snow, quickly he pulled him inside. As
the beggar awoke, Zhu Xiang brought some food for him.

"Sorry but I don't like food" said the boy

"Then what do you like to warm your body?" asked the innkeeper wondered.

The young beggar didn't answer. Instead he pointed his finger to nearby
wine flagon. Zhu Xiang laughed and poured the wine for him, in an instant this
mysterious boy had emptied one flagon.

As he satisfied to drink the beggar leaving inn without paying or thanked to
Zhu, but Zhu Xia didn't complain it. The boy then started singing in front of crowd
to ask alms from them.

At the night he returned to the inn to pay his debt with his income from the
show, but Zhu Xiang refused it. Instead he advised him to buy thicker cloth. After
that the beggar stayed in Zhu's inn without paying. At evening he would sing on
street and at night he would sleep at inn.

Meanwhile the resident of this village was instructed by the emperor to build
a wider bridge on Jewel River. The resident took this order seriously as he
supervised the construction himself. Unfortunately there was a water demon in
the river that ate the bridge's material every night. As result the bridge' could
never be constructed as long as the monster was still there.

As the phenomenon continued, the resident was depressed and made a
contest to build a bridge. However there was no one who dared participating.

Back to Zhu Xiang's inn, one day a group of officer came and asked him
build the bridge. Zhu was startled as he didn't know how to build a bridge, but the
officers insisted they saw with their own eyes that Zhu had proposed to the
resident that he could build the bridge.

Later at night Zhu told his difficulty to his young fellow; the beggar. Who
know this boy was laughed and said "Don't be mad elder brother, actually it was
me who disguise as you and proposed to build that bridge"

"But, but, that's not funny! Build a bridge was not as easy as make a

33

dumpling, and if I make a mistake then the resident will execute me!"

The beggar only smiled to hear his complain. Then he splashed a cup of
wine to wall and suddenly it turned into bridge construction's plan.

"Who, who are you actually" shouted the innkeeper marveled

"That's not important who I am, but the important is I will help you to build
the bridge" said the boy. Unbeknownst to him, this little beggar was actually the
immortal Lan Caihe in disguise.

Later at that night, Lan Caihe went to the bridge construction site and
placed an incantation paper on a big boulder. In a sudden that boulder was
blazed, Caihe then drop it into the river. Suddenly the water demon leapt and
swallowed that boulder. Unfortunately the beast screamed in pain as it stomach
was burnt. No longer after that the beast transformed to it original form, a big fish.

This time Zhu Xiang finally realized that his friend was an immortal in disguise.
The next day he led the constriction of the bridge according to Lan Caihe's plan.
But when his work nearly finished, he couldn't find a big stone for the base of the
bridge.

Lan Caihe knew his friend difficulty then he picked a piece from his jade clappers
and threw it into the bridge's construction. As he shouted "grow" suddenly the
little piece became bigger and wider. It large was 15 meter and it width was 3
meter. Now this jade clapper's piece had been turned into beautiful bridge.

The resident was very pleased with Zhu Xiang's job and gave him a lot of prize.
Actually Zhu want to share it with his little friend but Lan Caihe refused it, instead
he said good bye because the little immortal should return to his original place.
As for the bridge, now we know it as Jade Bridge, since it was made from a jade
piece.

34

XV. Han Xiangzi and Long Nu

Translated by Li Yanjia

HAN XIANZI was nephew of Han Yu, a famous minister and poet from Tang
Dynasty. This genius boy had showed his magnificent talent since his childhood.
However he refused to work in government and choose to study Taoism instead.
After several confrontations with Han Yu, Han Xiangzi leaved his uncle house
and went away to cultivate himself according Taoism doctrine.

One day Han Xiangzi came to the shores of East Sea. At the night he played
his flute and heard by the beautiful Long Nu (Dragon Girl), the seventh daughter
of East sea Dragon King. The princess then changed herself into an eel and
swam to Xiangzi, twisting and dancing following the melody he played.

Han Xianzi smiled to the eel and said "I've heard that all of Dragon King
Daughters was lovely and the seventh princess was the prettiest among them."

The eel was flustered with embarrassment, the boy continued his word
"Actually i really want to meet your seventh princess, could you send my
greetings?" Once again the eel didn't respond him, since she didn't know what to
do.

Han Xiangzi then played his flute again and the eel continued dancing
following his music.

Suddenly the eel swam to him closer and closer, then she began transforming
to her original form. Han Xiangzi was really amazed with her beauty. Her eyes
were bright with a curved eyebrow, her waist was slender and his movement
supple. Actually he never met a girl as lovely as this in his live.

Han Xiangzi was afraid if he stopped playing his flute, then this beautiful
woman would revert back into eel. So he played and played, his emotion flowing
through his melody. One time he closed his eyes for just a moment, but when he
opened them the beautiful woman was gone. He played throughout the night, but
she didn't return.

Han Xiangzi feel very exhausted as he had play one night full, so he fell
asleep on the sea shore. When he awoke, he began playing again. He played on
through the day, and just as the sun began to set, the eel would return. All the
events from previous day repeated themselves. However the woman never said
a word and silently disappeared during the night.

Han could think of nothing but the woman all through the next day, and as he
began to play at sunset on the third day, the eel returned.

35

But on the fourth day, the eel didn't reappeared. He played and played, but
not even his best songs could bring her back.

In his despair Han Xiangzi smashed his flute against the rocks, fell to his
knees, and wept.

Suddenly an old lady approached him and spoke. "Listen to what i have to
say and don't interrupt my word. The beautiful girl you meet before was Long Nu,
the seventh daughter of East Sea Dragon King. So sad she can't meet you
anymore, as her father forbade her but the princess sent me to thank you for
your amazing melody. She gives you this flute. The old lady handed him a
bamboo flute and continued "Actually this isn't an ordinary flute, since it was
made from special bamboo from Guan Yin's bamboo grove. So please take care
it carefully as it might give you the power to destroy evil & bring happiness to
pure heart"

Han Xiangzi received that bamboo flute and asked the old lady to send his
gratitude for her princess. However he was so disappointed that he chose to
retreated from this life and devoted him self to study Taoism. Many years later,
he achieved immortality under tenure of immortal Han Zhongli and Lu dongbin..
Unfortunately deep inside his heat, Han Xiangzi couldn't forget his true love for
the Dragon Princess

Legend said that if we walked alone in East Sea shores at midnight, then we
might hear a very sad melody. People said that was music form Han Xiangzi's
flute.

36

XVI. Han Xiangzi Painted a Dragon

Translated by Li Yanjia

LONG time ago was a stingy nobleman named Lai. To his celebrate 60th
birthday He employed many artists and carpenters to repair his house.

After the reparation finished he hung a screen in the main hall and challenge
the artists to draw something on it.

He said "If your painting matched to what I mean, then i will paid you twice,
instead you will lost your salary" Lai continued "I want you to draw something
unique and consist of only one word>"

The artists tried to paint many things. But every time Lai commented was
always "Wrong! Wrong! Wrong again!"

Because they couldn't draw something according to the nobleman wish, they
should give in their salary for several months.

Suddenly a young Taoist priest greeted them "Hi pal how is your business,
why do you look so glum?"

"We sad because that stingy nobleman make fool pf us and refuse to pay our
salary. Now what should we brought to our family/" answered one artist.

After hearing their story the young priest responded "It's so unfortunate you
meet a genius painter like me. Now let me draw for that wealthy man"

The artists were so happy and promise to share their salary with him, but the
young priest refused it "Everything I want is to help you. Now prepare the ink for
me" The artists follow his instruction, but even after one day full of producing ink
the young priest still said 'It's not enough, I need more ink!"

Finally after three days, they produced 3 flagon of ink. Now the priest thought
it sufficient for his painting. He then asked a broom and soaked it into the ink.
Suddenly he swung that broom all over the screen, until it become completely
pained in back.

Lai shocked too see his precious screen ruined. He told his men to catch and
punished that rascal priest. The young Taoist laughed and said "Why do you so
furious, for i haven't finished my painting yet. The screen must be covered with a
clean cloth until tomorrow, then a masterpiece should be appeared"

37

Upon hearing his argument, Lai tried to hold his anger and did as he said.
However he forbade the priest to leave his place,

Tomorrow was Lai's birthday. When entire of his guest had entered the hall,
the young priest uncovered the screen and showed a magnificent dragon
painting. He spoke "Dragon is an unique being and his name consist of one
word. So pay our salary now, and don't forget it 2X as you promised before"

Lai couldn't to break his promise in front of his guest, so he paid them all

Meanwhile one of Lai's guests recognized the young priest as the immortal
Han Xiangzi. Lai was very happy to hear that and boasting "You see, even an
immortal was attending my party...." But before he finished his word, Han Xiangzi
jumped to the screen and rode the dragon flew to the air.

As the immortal and his dragon gone, Lai and his guest found a note left in
the empty screen". You can't recognize and immortal, a stingy man like you
should not have a dragon"

******

38

XVII. The Midas touch

Translated by Li Yanjia

MAGISTRATE Zhu of Huang Shan region was famous for his bad reputation
as corrupt officer. Everyone who brought their case to his court would never got
any justice except they had enough money to bribe him.

One day an old man came to his court with two young boys. "All right, tell me
your accusation old man!" asked Magistrate Zhu.

"This morning when i was taking a walk, i saw these two boys fighting each
other in front of their father's corpse. When i asked what happened, they
answered that one of them had killed their own father to rob his treasure. Then i
decide to bring these boys to Your Majesty's court."

"What kind of treasure?"

"Our father had a magic rod that can turn everything into gold.' replied the
older boy

"Really? Do you bring that rod with you? Can you demonstrate it?" Asked the
magistrate, actually he looked more interested with this treasure then the case
itself.

"But Your Majesty, in my humbly opinion we should focused on who was
killing their father instead of talking about the treasure!" complained the old man

'Shut up! Actually the empire appointed my as magistrate because i have an
ingenious method of investigation, so just keep silent and watch!" shouted the
magistrate. 'Now boys, let me see your father rod's"

The younger boy walked to the magistrate's table and gave his father
treasure to him.

"How to use it" asked Magistrate Zhu anxiously.

"Just point it to something and it will turned into gold" answered the boy.

The magistrate nodded his head and pointing the rod to a wooden block on
his table, suddenly the wooden block was turned into golden bar. Everyone in the
court was marveled with this miracle.

"Now who should inherit that rod and who should go to jail?" Asked the boys

39

"None of you should get this miraculous rod! At least there is no proof on who
is the real killer of your father, then i afraid will give this treasure to the wrong
person. Moreover if I give it to one of you, maybe the other will try to rob and
murderer the owner again. So as a good magistrate I decide confiscating this rod
to prevent imminent robbery and murderer." Spoke the magistrate

"But!"

"But!"

"But!" said the two boys and the old man in a row.

"No but! Now go away from my court quickly or I must ask my guard to chase
you away!" shouted Magistrate Zhu. The boys were still objected to his verdict
however the guards dragged them out of the court.

As the court was closed, Magistrate Zhu hastily ran to his wife chamber
"Darling! See what I got today, this is the one and only magic rod in this world
and now it's mine!" said him proudly

"Oh my fool husband, why do you never learned! You must be deceived by
that swindler priest again" mocked his wife

"Ha ha ha not for this time!" laughed Magistrate Zhu by pointing the rod to
several objects in that chamber. Suddenly everything he pointed turned into gold,
even their lovely cat! Actually this Madam. Zhu was a greedy woman just like her
husband. So without asking about it origin, she snatched the rod from his
husband's hand and turned everything in her presence into gold, including their
horses.

Suddenly she remembered the rusty Buddha's statue in their meditation room
and hurriedly ran into the room. As Madam. Zhu changed it into golden statue,
her mother in law who just praying in that room screamed to her "What are you
doing, are you insane? You are insulting Lord Buddha!"

"What kind of insult? Even Lord Buddha should like gold, that's why he was
surrounded by the Golden Arhat's! So he should be thanked to me because I am
worshiping him this way!"

Unfortunately the old mother kept scolding her daughter in law until she lost
her patience and pointed the miraculous rod to his mother in law.

As Magistrate Zhu entered the room, he trembled in terror as he saw his
mother had transformed into golden statue "You! You heartless witch! You can
change everything in our house except my mother!" scolded him fiercely.

40

"Then why? You mother always want to become immortal and I just grant it!"

"Then I will make you immortal too!" Scolded the magistrate by snatching the
rod from his wife's hand and pointed it into her. Although Madam. Zhu had
become a golden statue, but she could still crying as her tear was running from
her golden cheeks.

The evil magistrate shocked but finally he smiled "Who need a fat pig like you
when I am richer then emperor now. I will build bigger house ten times than this
and fulfilled it with every beautiful women from this world." Muttered him

Suddenly a familiar voice addressed him from behind "Wicked magistrate
bring back our rod, NOW"

Magistrate Zhu startled and looked his back to see the young boys, the real
owner of the rod was standing behind him. He was very angry and scold them
"Who allowed you entering my house, now go or I will turned you into gold to!"

"Then just do it" said both of the boys with smile

The evil magistrate was very angry and pointing his rod to them however
nothing happen no matter how many times he tried

"Off course a talisman will not harm it's real master" said the older boy by
swaying his hand. Suddenly the rod flew to his hand and turned into golden flute.
Both of the boys then showed their original form, the immortal Han Xiangzi and
Lan Caihe. Actually they want to play a trick and punished this evil magistrate.

Magistrate Zhu was trembling in terror and kneeled before them, begging for
mercy, even he hit his head to the floor to show his sincerity. However Han
Xiangzi scorned him "If I forgive you then I will be sinful to all of your victims!"
After finishing his word, Xiangzi pointing his flute to Magistrate Zhu and turned
his body into bones and ashes. Actually this was the heavenly punishment for the
corrupt officer, never thought that you could conceal your sin from heaven.

41

XVIII. Cao Guojiu's Repentance

Tran slated byLi Yanjia

EMPRESS Cao, the consort of Emperor Renzong from Song Dynasty had 2
brothers. The elder named Cao Jingxiu and the younger named Cao Jingzhi,
because of their position people called them Cao Guojiu (Royal Uncle Cao).
Actually both of these Royal Uncles were infamous for their mischievous deed.
They like to plunder people, however there are no one dare to oppose them
because their connection to emperor.

One day a Jinshi (provincial graduate) named Yuan Wenzheng from
Guangdong was traveling with his pretty wife to take an examination in capital.
Unfortunately for them, Cao Jingzhi saw Yuan's wife and heavily attracted by her
beauty. He then ordered his men to invite Yuan family to his palace.

"But i don't know the Royal Uncle, so why is he invites me" asked the jinshi
wondered

"You don't know that our master was infamous for his benevolence to talented
person like you, so please don't disappoints him" replied Cao Jingzhi's men
persuading him.

Because he didn't have reason to reject it and since he feel honored then
Yuan Wenzheng approved the invitation. However as they arrived at Royal
Uncle's palace, the jinshi was strangled to death and his wife was forced to
cohabit with Cao

"No! You're murderer, if you force me then i will suicide with this scissors!"
cried Yuan's wife.

Cao Jingzhi was angry to her obstinacy but since he didn't want losing her,
then he imprisoned Yuan's wife in his dungeon.

Meanwhile the soul of Yuan Wenzheng went to Judge Bao. 15

As Yuan's soul appeared before him, the judge shouted to him "Malicious
spirit, how dare you disturb me?"

"My name is Yuan Wenzheng a jinshi from Guangdong. On my journey to
capital I was murdered by Royal Uncle Cao Jingzhi. As I heard you were upright
judge, then I beg you to avenge my soul."

The judge stroked his beard and spoke "you said royal uncle killed you, but
what is your evidence"

5 Judge Bao Zheng was a legendary brave and incorruptible judge from Song Dynasty.

42

"My wife is the evidence; she is imprisoned in Royal Uncle's dungeon now.
So please save her" .

Judge Bao finally agreed to help Yuan Wenzheng. He rode his palanquin and
went to Royal Uncle Cao's palace. Unfortunately Cao Jingzhi wasn't home, thus
the investigation couldn't be conducted.

As Cao Jingzhi returned, his elder brother Cao Jingxiu advise him to kill
Yuan's wife, in order to cut off all sources of information for further investigation

"Who is Bao Zheng, he was just a small magistrate. What can he do to punish
me?" complained his younger brother.

"Don't you know? The emperor himself bestowed Bao Zheng with imperial
sword, enable him to execute everyone, including imperial family member".

Cao Jingzhi finally approved his brother and thrown Yuan's wife into a deep
well. Luckily the white planet star deity Taibai Jinxing saved her. The old deity
told her to bring her case to Judge Bao.

As the lady arrived on road, she met an official palanquin which she mistook
for that of Judge Bao. She then going up to the sedan chair and made her
accusation. Unfortunately this official was no other than Cao Jingxiu, the elder
brother of her husband's murderer.

Cao Jingxiu was terrified and dared not refuse her charge, but on the pretext
that the woman had not placed herself respectfully by the side of the official
chair, he had her beaten with iron-spiked whips, and thrown away for dead in a
neighboring lane.

When Yuan's wife near her death, the old deity Taibai Jingxin appeared and
saved her once more. This time he also guided her to Judge Bao's place

The judge was so pleased to meet her, he ordered his guards to arrest Cao
Jingxiu and Cao Jingzhi.

Many days later the brave judge brought Royal Uncle Cao's to the execution
ground. Without waiting anymore he ordered his executioner beheading Cao
Jingzhi. But as he want to execute Cao Jingxiu suddenly an imperial decree
arrived, which contained universal amnesty to all prisoners throughout the
empire. On receipt of this edict, Judge Bao was forced to liberate Cao Jingxiu
and allowed him to go home.

Like one risen from the dead, Cao Jingxiu regret his previous misbehavior
and isolated himself on mountain to cultivate himself according religious doctrine.

43

One day the immortal Han Zhongli and Lu Dongbin met him on his retreat and
asked what he was doing.

"I am studying the way" replied Cao

"What way ad where is it?" asked the immortals. Cao Jingxiu didn't answer
but pointed his finger to his heart.

"The heart is the sky, and the sky is the way, you have understand the origins
of everything" praised them. Han Zhongli and Lu Dongbin then give him secret
formula of immortality.

Finally Cao Jingxiu succeeded on becoming immortal, people called him Cao
Guojiu (Royal Uncle Cao) just like his nick name on earth.

Note; in other version it just Cao Jingzhi who was evil, when Cao Jingxiu was a good man from
the begining

XIX. The Man with 100 Mothers

Translated by Li Yanjia

44

BACK then, when Cao Guojiu was still an evil Royal Uncle from Song
Dynasty he had one close friend named Tong Shanren. This Tong Shanren was
a tightwad and cruel landlord who like to exploit peoples. Actually he was so
identical with Cao in many ways.

One day Cao Guojiu who had repented and became immortal want to advise
his old friend. Cao therefore changed his appearance into beggar and begged
alms in front of Tong Shanren's door.

As predicted he was chased away by the doorkeeper. However no matter
how many times he was scorned and expelled, Cao would return again and
again.

Finally the doorkeeper was surrendered and told his master about this
stubborn beggar.

"Stupid! Idiot! Imbecile! Why should i have a doorkeeper if I should met all
beggar and loafer in this town alone!" scold him to his doorkeeper

But how surprised Tong when he realized that beggar as his old friend the
Royal Uncle. "What? I think he was still our emperor's brother in law, but how
come he wears tattered clothes like this. But that's all right, I heard most
noblemen are eccentric, probably this is the latest fashion trend in capital or
maybe he dressed like this to hinder tax". Finally Tong welcomed him to his
house. Actually he want to ask position in government from his friend.

As the banquet was prepared, Tong Shanren asked Cao "Why do you
dressed like that?"

"I've became an immortal in Penglai Shan" replied the Royal Uncle

"Interesting!" shouted Tong "I know you studied Tao so you can make gold
from a stone, but have you mastered that skill?"

"Ha ha ha, I know you will ask this" laughed Cao "Of course I have mastered
that skill and if you wish, I can demonstrate it to you here"

"Show me, show me quickly"

"First dig a hole in your room!" said Tong. As his instruction fulfilled, he throw
one piece of silver to the hole, then he told his fiend "Now that hole has become
money mine, as you can pick unlimited money from it"

45

Tong hardly believed it, but Cao demonstrate the process and picked 10
silver pieces from the hole.

The greedy landlord was very happy with that miracle. He kowtowed in front
of Cao and called him as great deity.

When Tong's mother heard about this money mine in his house, she want to
prove it with her own eyes. Unfortunately her foot was slipped and she fell into
the hole. Tong hurriedly helped his mother, but as he pulled one mother, there
was another mother emerged from that hole. And the process continuously
repeated until there were 100 mothers in his house. Tong really depressed
because he couldn't recognize his real mother. One mother called him
"Shangren", when the other called him "my baby"

Tong quickly called Cao Guojiu to show his real mother, but the Royal Uncle
replied "Actually this hole have become mother mine now and other mothers will
always appeared every time you pulled one out"

"But, but It will make me bankrupt in no time!" cried the landlord in terror

"If you really to stop that process, than I can summon a deity to help you. But
you must obey whatever requirement he asks" Said Cao try to console his friend

The Royal Uncle then read an incantation suddenly a deity appeared in front
of them.

Upon hearing Tong's plea, the deity responded "If you want to stop that
mother mine, then you should liberate farmer from their tax and distribute your
wheat to poor family. Because he had no other choice, the stingy landlord was
forced to obey it.

Now the hole was empty and there were no other mother emerged from it,
except for 100 mothers who had appeared previously. Tong asked the deity to
show his real mother, but he answered "All of that 100 ladies are your mother
and if you neglect them, then a fire will burned your house into ash"

Tong panicked and asked for Cao's help, but the Royal Uncle mocked him
"This is result for your greediness" Tong cried and keep begging to Cao Guojiu,
finally he consoled him "Actually every time you do a kindness, then one of your
fake mother will be disappeared. So you need 99 good deeds until all the imitator
vanished."

From that day on, Tong Shanren changed into generous man, and one by
one his 99 mother was disappeared.

46

XX. Eight Immortals and the Jade

Emperor

Translated by Li Yanjia

47

THE ninth day of Lunar month was Jade Emperor's 16 birthday. Each deity
and immortal would bring a birthday gift in expectation of elevation in rank. Tie
Guaili thought that the rank of immortal was quite high enough for himself and
refused to bring a gift. However, all of the other seven forced him to participate in
the party. They reluctantly agreed to bring something as gift to the emperor. After
all, even if they did not need to be elevated to the rank of deity, they could be be
demoted to a lower rank.

The eight arrived and lined up behind the other immortals and deitiss waiting
to pay their respects to their emperor. When their turn came, Zhang Guolao
presented a cap made from hair from his donkey ass tail, Han Zhongli brought a
bamboo brush, Lan Caihe offered a lotus from his flower basket, and Tie Guaili
gave a porcelain bedpan. Before the other immortals had a turn to present their
gifts, the insulted emperor instructed his guards to chase them away, demoted
them to the lower rank of immortals, and expelled them from heaven.

The Eight Immortal was very angry and grumbled along their way. Suddenly
Tie Guaili gave an idea "Do You remember the Monkey King Sun Wukong was
once tricked the Jade Emperor?. The other seven was agreed an returned to the
Heaven to bring another presents to the emperor.

'What are you doing here? Have you forgotten that i've expelled you before?"
shouted the emperor as he saw the Immortals returned.

"Please apologize us o' our holy emperor, actually we have understand our
mistake and want to repair it by giving you this precious gift." said Han Zhongli.
The emperor looked interested and let them to show their presents.

This time the Eight Immortals gave him a very precious and expensive gift.
But unbeknownst to the emperor, this offering was actually gifts that had been
offered by other deities which stolen and reoffered by the Eight Immortals.

Unfortunately since they only got six presents (while there were eight of
them), then Lu Dongbin captured a handful of fireflies and offered them to the
Emperor

"What is it" asked the emperor amazed as he never saw firefly before.

This is a glowing pearl o' my holy emperor". Said Lu Dongbin lying The
emperor was very happy to receive it.

Next Lu Dongbin caught a few cicadas, then offered it again to Jade Emperor
"Now let us offered this most precious thing from the human world!"

The emperor was overjoyed with their presents and elevated them to the rank
of Holy Immortals of Heaven. However the Eight Immortals never used that title,

16 Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi) is the Emperor of God in Chinese

48

since they choose to live on earth and saved human from their suffering

XXI. Origin of Eight Immortals

Bridge

Transl ated by Li Yan jia

THERE was an old man named Zheng who lived alone in Xiangtan, Hunan.
One night when he was weaving straw sandal, a group of eight people came to
his hut and asked to take a rest in there. Actually Zheng was afraid that his hut
would insufficient to contain them all, but he still welcoming them warmly. For his
astonishment, his hut which normally could hardly contain three people now

49

became spacious enough to take nine persons.

After that Zheng served his eight guests with delicious food and wine. As his
guests satisfied, one of them with round and exposed belly said "Thank you for
your hospitality sir. Now please tell us your wish and we will grant it for you"

Unfortunately Zheng shook his head and replied "Thank you but I want
nothing"

"Your hut is so small, do you want bigger house?"

"The earth can be my house, moreover I still have a hut to stay in. It's enough
for me"

"Then how about good fortune, power, longevity or anything else. We can
grant it for you"

"Good fortune, power, or everything else are just rope which bound my body
to this mundane world. I prefer nature to take its own course"

The only lady between his guests asked "If you don't want to be bound again
with this mundane world, then maybe you want to be immortal?"

"People say they want to be an immortal because they want to live without
worries and troubles. But since I have nothing to worry, so why should I become
an immortal?"

Because his guests keep asking about his wish, Zheng finally answered "If
you really want to give me something then how about help us build a bridge for
our village, since that is so inconvenient to cross the river without bridge."

One of his guest replied him quickly "That is piece of cake, we promise the
bridge will be done tomorrow." After that, eight of his guest said good bye and
left.

On the night, suddenly Zheng caught a sight of huge bridge on the river and
all of his guests walking on it. Zheng quickly chased them, but they rode a cloud
and flew away from his vicinity.

Zheng was dumbfounded to see that miracle. He looked carefully to the new
built bridge and found that it was made from eight big granites. Because Zheng
and his neighbors believe that his guests were eight Immortals, then they called
the bridge as Eight Immortal Bridge.

50

XXII. The Dog Nip Lu Dongbin

Translated by Li Yanjia

THE immortal Lu Dongbin was fond of wandering in human world. One night
when he was walking on a rural area, he saw a guy dressed like a steward ran
hastily to his direction. As the steward didn't pay attention, he bumped on him
body. Dongbin had not prepared so his body pushed backward several steps, but
he didn't angry and addressed him "Brother, why do you walked in rush and
bumped over my body?"

The steward was very ashamed and apologized over and over "Actually I'm in
urgent matter. My master instructed me to invite an eminent monk."

51

"What's for?"

"Lately my master house was disturbed by an evil spirit, so I must find a
capable monk to catch it"

Dongbin responded his word: "Actually I've leaned many tricks to subdue evil
spirits, if you permit me thenl can help your master"

The steward looked carefully on him and said "Sorry brother, but I think
I've seen your face somewhere before. Who are you actually?"

The immortal smiled and replied "My name is Lu Dongbin"

The steward was overwhelmed with joy to realize the man before him was the
great immortal Lu Dongbin. Then he kowtowed before him "My apologize o great
immortal, now it's clear why I familiar with your face as I often see your statue in
temple"

"Now tell me the whole story" asked Dongbin

"My master is a generous man, his surname is Wang but everyone called
him millionaire Wang because he owned many shops and factories. My master
have one daughter, she was pretty, filial and friendly to everyone including her
servants, no wonder her father love her so much. Several weeks ago when my
master and his family traveled to Tao Hua Mountain, they met a sorcerer who
called himself as immortal. The sorcerer said he has a predestined marriage
affinity with my miss and if my master agreed, then he could help my master and
his family ascending to the heaven."

"Then what happened next?"

"Of course my master didn't trust him, he called many priests as well as
monks to expel him. However the evil sorcerer was extremely strong and beat
them all. Now this sorcerer still resides in my master house and causes a lot of
calamity there"

Dongbin nodded his head and continued ask "Did the sorcerer ever insult
your miss?"

The steward looked uncertain and answered "That's the strangest thing! The
sorcerer compels to marry my miss, but it seems he afraid and never disturbing
her." As he finished listening his story, Lu Dongbin followed him to millionaire
Wang's house.

Millionaire Wang was very happy to hear an immortal had come to save his

52

family. He brought his family to welcome him in front of their house's entrance.

Without waiting any longer, Lu Dongbin went to the young lady's room. But
how startled he was when he knew the sorcerer's real identity. "Oh no, this
sorcerer is lord Erlang's 17 Celestial Dog. This should be hard since this animal
have fought uncountable number of evil spirits, even before I was born"

"Then what should we do" asked the millionaire in terror.

"That's all right, maybe we can subdue him with a strategy" Dongbin halted
his word and took a painting from his bag and gave it to the steward "Wait on the
entrance and hangs this magic painting in the gate. As the dog run into it, quickly
scroll the painting and the evil spirit should be trapped inside it"

After the steward hung the painting, Lu Dongbin unsheathed his sword and
entered the young lady's room. When the dog saw someone came into the room,
he howled and leapt toward him.

After fighting the Celestial Dog for awhile, Lu Dongbin fled to the entrance
gate. The dog chased him. As he arrived in front of the gate, he saw a beautiful
garden in front of him. This garden was so big and had many trees, flowers as
well as flocks like sheep, pig and chicken.

The Celestial Dog was very interested with this little paradise and entered it.
Unbeknownst to him, this garden and all inside it was an illusion made from Lu
Dongbin's magic painting which hung outside the gate. As the dog steeped to
the bait, the steward quickly scrolled the painting and trapped the celestial Dog
inside.

After leaving millionaire Wang house, Dongbin muttered to himself "This dog's
master is my old friend. So what should I told him, if he know that i harmed his
favorite dog. Moreover this animal had killed uncountable evil spirits and saved
many humans" After considering for a while, finally the immortal decide to
release that beast. Thus Dongbin spread the picture and let him go.

But as soon as the Celestial Dog found a way out, he jumped outside and
nipped Lu Dongbin fiercely until his trouser tattered and his foot injured seriously.

In the end Lu Dongbin reported the Celestial Dog to his real owner; Lord
Erlang, because he had no other way to subdue him.

From this story, now we have phrase "a dog nip Lu Dongbin", which means a

17 Lord Erlang is a mighty god with a third eye on his forehead. He was Jade Emperor's nephew,
however his uncle imprisoned his mother under Peach Blossom Mountain because she violated
the heavenly mandate by marrying human. Beside of his faithful dog, Erlang are also had a wife;
the Dragon princess of West Sea and six sworn brothers from Mount Mei.

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man who can't recognize good intention.

XXIII. Su Dongpo Met Eight

Immortal

Translated by Nathaniel Hu

SU Dongpo or Su Shi was a famous statesman from Song Dynasty. Actually
he was a big admirer of Eight Immortals and wanted to meet them, too bad he
didn't know where to find them. Luckily one day he met and old man who told him
that he could meet the Eight Immortals in Penglai Pavilion at 3 rd day of 3 rd month.

On the promised date, Su Shi rise early and went to the Penglai Pavilion.
However he didn't find a single immortal in that pavilion. Bored to wait, he
wandered around the garden and met two old men playing chess. The one old
man had a red face, while the other looked so old with a white hair and beard.

Su Dongpo stood aside them and watched their play, but ashamed because

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he couldn't understand their chess move. Suddenly the red face old man
addressed him The immortals that you looking for, we also here waiting for
them"

Dongpo was startled "How did this old man know my intention, are they an
immortals too?"

Several hours later, finally a door opened and a black face beggar with limped
foot came out to greet the old man 'Old friend, please apologize us to make you
wait this long, now let go inside

The red face old man glanced to Su Shi and said "We met this young man in
your garden, then how about inviting him too?"

The lame beggar looked at Dongpo carefully, it made him really nervous
since this beggar had such grumpy face, but finally he said "Ok, no matter.
Please come with us" Actually Su Shi was a nobleman so he disgusted with that
beggar because he wore a dirty tattered cloth, moreover his body was so filthy
and smelly.

Inside the pavilion he met seven other peoples with various looks. Between
them he saw an old man, a young beggar, fat man, thin man, Taoist priest, a
gentleman with government dress and one beautiful girl. They sit facing a tall
square table, with 2 chairs on each side. The lame beggar then said "Now as
everyone has arrived, let's start the party begin!"

Su Dongpo was fond to eat moreover he was very hungry now. But how
shocked he was to see 3 horrify dishes on the table, they are; a half baked dog,
steamed baby and a rice cake covered in mildew. Opposed to him, every other
people in the room enjoyed these dishes as if it were the most delicious food on
earth. Dongpo feel sick to see the fat guy picked a leg from the steamed baby,
followed by the girl who picked it leg. Finally he didn't eat anything and only
watched these groups of maniacs eating ravenously.

After the party was over, Su Shi leave that building with the two old men, they
asked him "Why don't you eat anything?"

"Oh no please don't tell me about that scary foods anymore, I make me want
to puke"

The white bearded old man sighed "Do you know who are we?"

Su Dongpo shook his head.

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"I am Nanji XianWeng 18 , and this red faced friend of me was Beidou Xingjun 19 .
For your information, the baked dog served on the table was longevity dog,
steamed baby was not real baby but a hundred years ginseng and the rice cake
with mildew was longevity cake. If you eat one, you will live until 100 years old
and if you eat two then your age will be prolonged to 200 years old!"

The red face old man or Beidou Xingjun added "As for eight peoples in the
pavilion, they are the Eight Immortals you always seek. Too bad you always
called yourself as their true admirer, but can't recognize when you meet them..."
Suddenly both of deities disappeared leaving the stupefied Su Dongpo. alone.

Note; other version said that Su Dongpo could recognize the Eight Immortals and asked them to
make him as their ninth immortals. But they only laughed and leaved him

XXIV. The Tree Spirits

Translated by Nathaniel Hu

PEOPLE said that an immortal had a purple cloud above their head, when an
evil spirit had a dark cloud. One day Lu Dongbin visiting Yue Yang City again,
suddenly he saw thick black cloud from a wine shop. Dongbin then decided to
investigate it.

To see a poor priest entering his wine shop, the shop keeper addressed him
"you come late mister, I've no wine for you!"

"You opened a wine shop, then how come there is no wine here?"

"Off course there is wine here, but I don't know how are you going to pay for
it?"

18 Nanji Xianweng is Longevity God from South Pole

19 Beidou Xingjun is God of North Pole.

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Lu Dongbin laughed and said "off course I have money or I will not come to
your wine shop"

"Then show me your money first!" responded the shop owner.

Lu Dongbin took and ink from his pocket and spoke "actually this ink worth
200 tael of silver!"

The shop owner laughed and mocked him "What is so good about this ink,
which value so much money?"

"If you writing calligraphy or drawing a painting using this ink and hang it on
the wall, then it might ward off evil"

The shop owner looked on him and said "Bull shit! I've known all of your
Taoist trick to swindle good person!" But finally he accepted that ink and gave a
jar of wine for him.

Several hours later Dongbin started to muttering, as if he was talking with
someone. The store owner were seeing this and sighed "Looked that poor priest
is already drunk"

Lu Dongbin complained 'Who said I drunk, I just chat with them!"

"Who?! I don't see anyone with you?" commented the shop owner
astonished.

"Off course you cannot se them!" laughed Dongbin

The store owner was frightened and said "Don't scare me, actually this wine
shop was haunted and there is no one dares to stay here in night." However
Dongbin didn't listen to him, even he was sleeping on the table. The shop owner
quickly shook his body and spoke "Now wake up, because we must close our
shop. If you stay here then a ghost will eat you" But no matter how hard he
shook him, the priest was still unconscious, finally the shop owner decided to
close his shop and leaved him alone.

In the middle of night, suddenly a mysterious old man came and kneeled
before Lu Dongbin "O' great immortal, allow me to introduce myself. I am Old
Tree Spirit, please allow to be your disciple"

Lu Dongbin got up and responded "I know there is monster here and actually
it's you who caused the trouble here!"

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"You misunderstand o' great immortal. Actually it was the female Plum Spirit
who caused trouble here. As she like to drink the customer's wine and scared
them. Instead I often foiled her mischief

]

Lu Dongbin nodded his head and said "Of course I will help you to become
immortal. But first you must be reincarnated as human, then several years later I
will come to your place and teach you."

Then how about the Plum Spirit?" asked the Old Tree Spirit

"She would be reincarnated too" answered the immortal. He then gave the
tree spirits more instruction and sent them to be reincarnated.

The Old Tree Spirit was born in Guo family named Guo Shangzhao when the
Plum Spirit was reincarnated at Zhao family named Zhao Lamei. Several years
later, Lu Dongbin came to Zhao families. As he stood in front of Ms. Zhao, he
praised her "This girl was destined to become immortal" Ms. Zhao was very
interested with his word and asked how to be an immortal.

"Don't you regret it" teased Lu Dongbin

Ms. Zhao replied "To be an immortal is better then become an emperor,
unfortunately I don't know how to cultivate myself?"

Lu Dongbin said "If you really want it with your heart, then I can teach you".

Zhao Lamei was suspicious with his true identity, thus Dongbin showed his
real form in front of her. The girl was overjoyed and quickly kneeled down. The
Immortal smiled and spoke "do you really want to be my disciple?"

"Yes I do"

"Then I will teach you this night" said Dongbin by leaving her. On that night Lu
Dongbin really came again and teach her the way of immortality.

Since the day, Ms Zhao never worked in her father drug store again instead
she always stayed in her room to meditate. Because her father and mother
worried about their daughter condition, they decided marrying her with Guo's
family son, Guo Shangzhao. This young master Guo was actually reincarnation
of the old Pine Spirit

During the reign of Tianxi from Song Dynasty, Lu Dongbin went to Guo's
family tea house. He drank a cup of tea and chatted with Guo.

"I've married for three years but still have no children, my wife mediating in
her room every day and never help me in tea house" said Guo

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"What good about child?. When they are young you need to feed them. But
as they mature, they will neglect you"

"But without a child then who will set my burial when I die and burn incense
for my soul?"

"You will not die if you become an immortal"

Guo smiled and said "Then should I become a priest like you? Who was
wandering every day for food? Better like me have a tea house to live in"

"But if you become a priest like me and keep cultivating yourself everyday,
then you can be an immortal in the future"

"Have you become an immortal? The why are you still wandering on street
and begging for food?" mocked Guo.

Lu Dongbin was very angry, but he tried to hold himself and said "Actually I
come here because I once promised to you in your previous live."

"Then what am I in my previous live?"

"Your previous existence was an old Pine Tree Spirit. Because it was
impossible to teach you in your previous live, then I waited to this existence to
help you"

Guo laughed and said "Nonsense! If you want to help me, then send me a
child!"

Lu Dongbin was bored with this futile discussion and leaved him.

However several days later he came again to his tea house. This time he met
with Madam Guo As the lady saw him, he kneeled and greeted him "disciple
meet master"

Guo was furious to see it and scold her "You always be cold to me in all of
this years, but why do you so friendly with this liar?"

"Don't be so rude to him, he is the immortal lu Dongbin" complained his wife

"The hell about Lu Dongbin, he can deceive you but he will never fool me! If
you like he then just goes with him!"

Madam Guo looked at Dongbin and spoke 'Because my husband had chased
my away, then please allow me to follow you master"

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Lu Dongbin agreed and brought her to go, Guo tried to chase them but they
walked so fast until he lost them. After that Lu Dongbin brought Madam Guo to
cultivate herself according to Taoism doctrine in Zhongnan Shan.

Several years later, Lu Dongbin and Madam Guo visited Guo again. When
Guo saw him he scold him "You had been cheated my wife, how dare you meet
me again/ Do you want to fight with me?"

"How do you say I cheated her, as she followed my in her own wish. If you
want to meet her very simple, just follow my instruction to become immortal and
you will meet her again. "

"You had fooled my wife and now you want to deceive me too?

"Then asked your wife yourself as Lu Dongbin finished his word, suddenly
Madam Guo appeared before Guo.

Guo quickly pulled her wife and cried out "Why did you follow this fake priest,
when you can live happily in home?"

Madam Guo smiled and replied him 'It's you who should join us"

Guo screamed furiously "Don't talk about this evil priest anymore, as he has
ruined our family!"

The enraged Lu Dongbin shouted "Old Pine Spirit! Ho should I advise you?".
Then he brought Madam Guo flying away and vanished without a trace.

Guo was dumbfounded to see it. He could not help but secretly whispered in
his mind "Is he really the immortal Lu Dongbin? My wife is really become an
immortal. Am I really an incarnation of Pine Tree Spirit?" Suddenly he ran away
from his house. Every time he met people who asked why, he would say "I've
meet an immortal!" Soon the news was spread, as people heard Zhao Lamei had
become an immortal, they called her as Female Immortal Zhao (ZhaoXiangu).

Legend said that many years later Guo would meet her wife again, who teach
him the way to become immortal.

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XXV. The Eight Immortals against

an Evil Cult

Translated by Li Yanjia

THE Eight Immortals were attending the deification ceremony of Snail Fairy.
This Snail Fairy was once an evil spirit. Because of her previous sin, the god was
severely beaten her and left her in dying state. Luckily a young man saved her
live as well as treated her wound tenderly. After that the Snail Spirit vowed to
repent and paid his past sin by helping as much as people as possible. Finally
the Heaven was touched with her repentance and canonize her as deity.
However this was enraged her previous teacher, the Evil God Tongtian Jiaozhu.

At the deification day of Snail Fairy, Tongtian Jiaozhu led his disciples
ambushing the ceremony. They attacked and culled everything in their vicinity.

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As the battle began, Tongtian Jiaozhu's favorite disciple; the Flood Dragon
summoned water from the South Sea to submerge his enemy. But Tieguai Li
opened his gourd and sucked all of the water inside. Watching his plan failed, the
Flood Dragon panicked and fled.

Meanwhile He Xiangu and the other immortals had a hard time against
another nemesis, a giant dirty monster with unbearable scent. "Who is your name
disgusting monster?" spoke He Xiangu by covering her nose.

'My name is Smelly Dragon, and I am so immensely powerful because I never
take a bath!" said the Smelly Dragon proudly. Actually he was not that strong,
only his evil stench made his opponent hardly fight him.

Suddenly Tieguai Li came and laughed "Ha ha what is so special about this
disgusting monster, I think I can defeat him easily!"

The smelly dragon was angry to hear his humiliation "You are very dirty and
smelly yourself, then why do you insult me? Now take my stinky breath!" shouted
him by spreading a deadly odor to Tie guai Li

The lame beggar easily avoided it and opened his gourd. Suddenly a fragrant
aroma came from it and hurled to his Smelly opponent. Unfortunately the slob
monster can't resist this flowery fragrance and fainted immediately. 'Ha ha I know
this should be his weakness. A slipshod being like him will never stand against
fragrant thing" Laughed Tieguai Li

Watched his student were defeated one by one, the Evil God was very angry.
Then he took his Immortal Killer Net and thrown it to his enemy. In an instant the
net was captured all of the Eight Immortals. The Evil God smiled and read an
incantation suddenly all of Immortals trapped inside his net were losing their
magic, moreover the net was become tighter and tighter squeezing everyone
inside it.

The Eight Immortals were wailed and screamed, until suddenly Tieguai Li had
an idea "My gourd was made by Lao Zi himself, inside was very large and
indestructible. Maybe we can hide there until the help is come!" All of his friends
were agree and hurriedly entering his gourd. Actually inside his gourd was like a
big pavilion with lovely furniture and full of delicious food and wine.

As Tongtian Jiaozhu aware that his opponent had sheltered inside Tieguai
Li's gourd, he cursed "If you think you save inside that tramp's gourd you made a
great mistake! Now see how i going to burn you all!"

Numerous immortals were trembling in fear to hear that threat, but Tieguai Li
laughed "Don't be afraid, even the blast in Lao Zi's Eight Trigram stove can't
destroy this gourd."

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"The fire maybe can't destroy the gourd but the heat will steam us to death!"
Complained Lan Caihe

Zhang Guolao smiled to hear his young friend and commented "I don't think
so, actually the condition here is still pretty cold. So I think this gourd was heat
resist too."

Lu Dongbin smiled and said "Actually we came here attending the deification
ceremony of Snail Fairy. Who know we are like a snail who hide in it shell now"
All other immortal laughed hearing his joke.

Outside of the gourd Tongtian's disciple told his friends "You hear that voice?
I think the immortals are joking and laughing". The Eight Immortals laughed
heavily to hear their enemy discussion and started singing a mocking song for
Tongtian Jiaozhu.

Te Evil God was cursing them furiously. However he still didn't have an idea
to destroy that mighty gourd. Suddenly one of his disciple named Bai Niangzi
gave him an idea. This Bai Niangzi was actually a snake spirit, but because she
had a white skin then she took a surname "Bai" (white). "Since we can't destroy
this gourd then how about locked it in our place. At that time, there is no
difference between live or death because that cursed immortals will be
imprisoned forever!" suggested her

Tongtian Jiaozhu very pleased and praised her idea, but suddenly a beautiful
melody came from the sky followed by a dazzling light and extraordinary
fragrance. Actually the Holy Teacher Lao Zi himself had arrived to save his
disciples.

"Brother you are a patriarch from big cult. But why do you keep making
mistakes again and again. Now I reprimand you to repent and returned to your
mountain!" addressed Lao Zi Tongtian was indeed the younger brother of Lao Zi,
since they studied from the same teacher

"Shut up! Actually it's you who should surrender as I've captured your
immortal's" boasted Tongtian

The Holly Teacher stroked his long beard and said ith a smile "You said you
have captured my immortals. The who is standing behind you"

Tongtian JiaoZhu looked his back and startled to see the Eight Immortals had
survived from his Immortal Killer's Net and now surrounded him.

The Evil God was enraged and shouted "Damn you Lao Zi! How dare you use
your magic to help my prisoner, now take my sword" He took his sword and

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charged furiously to Lao Zi, but the holly teacher could avoid all his attacks easily

"Now it's my turn, right?" said Lao Zi making ten thousand daggers on air and
launched it to his enemy. Tongtian Jiaozhu dodged all of the daggers and
continued attacking Lao Zi and his disciples. Actually this Evil God had an
incredible magic as well as martial art skill that enable him to fight all of his
opponents alone.

In one occasion Wen Shi, one of Lao Zi disciple shot straight to Tongtian's
eyes and blinded him. As he lost his sight, the evil god finally could be arrested
and his ult was disbanded.

XXVI. The Eight Immortals Cross

the Sea

Translated by Li Yanjia

AFTER attending the birthday of Queen Mother of the West in Kunlun, the
eight immortals was heavily intoxicated because they drank too many liquor.

Looking down from the clouds which they used to fly, they saw East Sea in
front of them. Suddenly Lu Dongbin said "The scenery on East Sea was so
fantastic, how about traveling to this place/"

"We all drunked, so better do that another day "advised Zhang Guolao

"There aren't many good chance like this, so better do this now" spoke Han
Zhongli. Finally all of eight immortals agreed and traveled to East Sea.

As they arrived at the sea, Lu Dongbin gave an idea "We can cross this sea
easily riding our clouds. But let's travel it using our weapons, so we can test our
magic"

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Everyone agreed with him and so they turned their weapons as vehicle. Lu
Dongbin flying above his sword, Han Zhongli sailing above his fan, He Xiangu on
her lotus leaf, Tie Guaili using his iron crutch, Zhang Guolao riding hs donkey,
Han Xiangzi made his flower basket into boat, Cao Guojiu using his imperial
tablet and Lan Caiihe riding his clappers.

At that time the Dragon King of East Sea, the overlord of East Sea saw an
illuminating light flashed above his palace. Then he ordered his eldest son to
check what happen.

The dragon prince found that beautiful light come from Lan Caihe's jade
clappers. So he kidnapped that junior immortal and confiscated his clappers.

When the others immortals realized that Lan Caihe was missing, they thought
something must be wrong "Where is that boy? Is he intoxicated that bad and
fainted in the way?" asked Tie Guaili wondered

"Nonsense! That little brat was a heavy drinker, even before he became an
immortal. So there is no way a few cup of heavenly wine will fainted him."
commented Han Zhongli

"the problem is we are in Dragon King territory, and as we know that old
snake was very cunning and greedy." Said Lu Dongbin

"Then it's your responsibility to search our young fellow, since that was your
idea to travel to East Sea" replied Zhang Guolao

Dongbin didn't want to argue with his senior, So he went back to the sea and
searching Lan Caihe.

After an unfruitful searching, Dongbin became more and more certain that his
friend was kidnapped by Dragon King, so above the dragon palace he shouted
"Evil dragons! I know you have kidnapped my friend Lan Caihe, release him now
or I will burn your palace!"

The dragon prince enraged hearing Dongbin's boast, he brought his soldier to
attack him. However they were not his match and could be routed easily. The
Dragon King was very sorry to see his son's wound and ordered his underling to
release Lan Caihe, but still keep his clappers in his palace.

Lu Dongbin and his friends were very happy to see Lan Caihe returned, but
they wondered why their young friend looked unhappy. "That slimy snake was
stole my clapper, you must avenge me! Cried Lan Caihe

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"That damn old snake! Let's wreak havoc in their palace and take your
clappers back" cursed Lu Dongbin went back to the Dragon King's palace, this
time he was accompanied by the female immortal He Xiangu.

"Old thief, bring back my friend's clappers now! Or this time we will really burn
your palace!" shouted both immortals above the dragon dwelling.

Once again he Dragon King ordered his eldest son to fight the immortals. Just
as before, the dragon prince couldn't match Lu Dongbin's swords skill.
Unfortunately when he wanted to flee, his road was blocked by He Xiangu.
Finally he was slain by Lu Dongbin.

The Dragon King was mourning on his eldest son death. Then he instructed
his second son to avenge his brother, only to get his younger son killed too by
the immortals.

The East Sea Dragon King swore to avenge his son and led his 100000
troops to fight Eight Immortals.

At this fight Han Zhongli, the ex general from Han Dynasty fought thr old
Dragon King, while Lu Dongbin and Tie Guaili released a deadly flame from their
gourd which burned all of their enemies and even dried the East Sea.

Actually the East Sea Dragon King was survived and ran to his brother
palace, the Dragon King of South Sea.

"Calm my brother! I will help you to avenge my nephew' spoke the South
Dragon King

"But what should we do, the Eight Immortals was so resourceful and they had
so many friend in the heaven!" cried the East Dragon King depressed.

"We shouldn't fight them directly, instead we should use a strategy!" Now as
they are on a dried seabed, let's flood them using water from other seas, West,
South and North. So the immortal shall be annihilated easily!"

The East Dragon King was very happy hearing that idea and thus he brought
his other brothers; the Dragon King of West and North Sea to flood the Eight
Immortals to their death.

At this time the eight Immortals was feel tired and slept in the dried sea.
Suddenly they heard a thunderous rumbling voice came into them. But before
they could react, a giant wave of flood submerged them. Luckily Cao Guojiu's
imperial tablet could divide the water and made a way for their escape.

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After survived from the disaster, the eight immortals cursed the four Dragon
King. "Coward snake, how dare them flooding us when we are sleep" grumbled
Tie Guaili

"Then let teach them a lesson, now let's pick Mount Tai from its place and
pressed it into Dragon King's palace!" Said Lu Dongbin giving his idea

All of other Immortal was agree with that idea. So they picked Mount Tai and
pressed the East Sea dragon palace under that gigantic mountain. However the
East Sea Dragon King managed to escape again.

"Cursed Eight Immortals, they not only killed my son but even destroying my
beautiful palace! Now where should I live." Cried the East Sea Dragon King

"Easy brother, don't forget that we are also Jade Emperor ministers. So let's
report Eight Immortal's crime to the emperor and leave to the heavenly general
subduing them" suggested South Sea Dragon King.

The East Sea Dragon King approved his brother suggestion and wrote an
accusation letter to the heaven.

As Jade Emperor reading the letter, he was extremely angry and dispatched
his heavenly soldiers led by General Zhao to catch the Eight Immortals. But since
the general couldn't defeat them alone, then the emperor ordered his other
generals; Guan, Wen and Ma assisted him.

Upon their arrival to earth, General Guan consulted with General Wen "As far
as I remember, the Eight Immortals was never made a serious mistake before.
So how about investigating this matter first?"

General Wen nodded his head and spoke "Indeed, we shouldn't heard a story
only from one source!"

Thus as both side were facing each other, General Guan questioned the
Eight Immortals about their motivation killing Dragon King sons and destroying
his palace.

"Initially it's not our intention to kill the dragon prince and destroying their
palace. But it was the dragon first who kidnapping our member and stole his
belonging" answered Han Zhongli politely.

The discussion run smoothly until the hot tempered General Ma interrupted
and scolded the Immortals "Rubbish! Everything you said nonsense, now just
surrendered and let heavenly court punishes you!"

"It's you who should be beaten by my crutch" screamed Tie Guaili.

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"And eat my cudgel too!" shouted one of Eight Immortals friend who was no
other than the Monkey King Sun WuKong 20 . Thus the conference was failed and
both parties were plunged into decisive battle.

After a day of unceasing war, three patriarchs from Buddhist and Taoist sect;
Laozi, Buddha and Guan Yin came to reconcile them. As son as the holy deities
came, all of opposing party were ceased their attack and kowtowed to them.

The Goddess of Mercy Guan Yin came forward and addressed them "I hear
all this quarrel was started because of clappers. Now let me see the clappers".

Lan Caihe walked ahead and gave his clappers to Guanyin, who pick two
pieces of it and gave the pieces to East Sea Dragon King "These are for you, as
compensation of your deceased sons"

The dragon king accepted the pieces, but he asked where should he live
since his palace was already destroyed.

The goddess of mercy smiled and point her finger to East Sea, suddenly
Mount Tai that pressed the dragon dwelling was lifted and flew back to it's
original place.

The four Dragon Kings and Eight Immortals were apologized each others
and thanked to Guan Yin and other patriarchs

After that they were invited by Jade Emperor to receive their punishment.

The Eight Immortals was denoted one level, while the Dragon King should
lose his salary for one year.

1 Sun Wukong is a Monkey God and the main hero of Journey to the West novel.

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XXVII. The Origin of Eight
Immortals Table

Translated by Nathaniel Hu

EIGHT Immortals table is a big square table with four equal sides and has two
benches in each side. Insread of it's popularity as practical and econimical
furniture in China, there was a legend about this table.

Wu Daozi was a famous painter from ancient China. Legend said that his
painting could be turned into real/life thing.

One day when the Eight Immortals was wandering on Hang Zhou, they decide to
visit Wu Daozi

As the famous painter saw the arrival of the Eight Immortals, he hurriedly
welcoming them and asked his servant to prepare a banquet.

"But master all of our table was so smalland insufficient for eight of them"
whispered his servant. Wu Daozi stroked his beard and laughed, then he took a
brush and drawing a big table. In a sudden the painting was turned into real table
table. His servant was marveled to see it and hastily prepared the food and wine
on this table.

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As the Eight Immortals eat and drink in that table, Lu Dongbin askd to Wu Daozi
"Mr Wu this table was very practical, what is it name?"

Wu Daozi thought for awhile and replied : "Because i made this table for you,
then how about calling it as Eight Immortals table?"

And since then people called this kind of table as "Eight Immortals table"

XXVIII. Eight Immortals Dishes

Translated by Nathan iel Hu

AFTER their battle against the Dragon King, Eight Immortals were felt very
exhausted and hungry. They then instructed Cao Guojiu to seek foods when the
others were resting on beach.

Cao Guojiu flew tirelessly to find foods for him as well as his friends, suddenly
he smelt a strong scent from the village below. He changed his appearance into
a farmer and strolled on street to find the source of the scent.

Finally in one big house he saw a big square table with eight kind of delicious
dishes. Cao Guojiu quickly took the dishes and brought it to his friend. Before
leaving he leaved a note "We, Eight Immortals take your food, but we will repay
your kindness later"

Since then the Chinese had a tradition of Eight Immortals dishes which is
served on Eight Immortals table.

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